Where Does Shingles Occur?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a neurological disease caused by Varicella zoster--the chicken pox virus. When the chicken pox virus completes its run, it lies dormant in the nerves. In most people, the virus remains dormant and they never experience any problems. However, in the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, the virus can awaken and travel down the sensory nerves.

Unilateral Presentation

• Shingles infections occur on one side of the body, along the path of the nerve affected. However, in rare instances, bilateral outbreaks are possible.

Common Infection Sites

• As shingles travels along the nerve, the structures associated with that nerve are affected. The most common sites for shingles outbreaks are the back, abdomen, buttocks and face (including the eyes). The arms and legs may also be affected.

Effects on Common Sites

• The most common effect of shingles is pain, itching and rash, in the skin along the nerve affected. People may experience one or all of the effects. For instance, it is possible to experience shingles pain without the rash.

Uncommon Infection Sites

• While shingles mostly affects the nerves under the skin, it can also affect other nerves including those that control the muscles of facial expression and the bladder.

Effects on Uncommon Sites

• When shingles affects the muscles of the face, it causes a condition called Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome--a condition similar to Bell's Palsy. When it affects the bladder, it can result in incontinence and overactive bladder or urinary retention.