Shingles is caused by the virus that is also responsible for causing chickenpox. It is a painful disease which attacks the nervous system and rashes appear over the affected nerves. The causes that increase the risk of shingles are age and the history of chickenpox.

Older adults are often attacked and more often those who have had chicken pox in the past. Other factors include a weak immune system which can be due to HIV/AIDS, organ transplant or cancer. Chemotherapy also increases the risk.Those recovering from an illness or under stress are also at a higher risk. It is seen that fatigue and injury on the skin where rashes appeared are among the other causes.