Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection characterized by a painful, blistering rash that typically appears in a single stripe on one side of the body, resulting from the reactivation of the dormant varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Symptom identification often begins with unusual sensations like burning, tingling, or itching in a specific area, followed a few days later by a red rash that quickly develops into fluid-filled blisters; these blisters eventually crust over and can cause intense, persistent pain (postherpetic neuralgia) that lasts long after the rash has cleared. Effective treatment involves prompt administration of antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir or valacyclovir) to shorten the rash's duration and reduce the risk of complications, combined with pain management strategies that may include over-the-counter analgesics, topical capsaicin or lidocaine creams, and for severe nerve pain, prescription medications like gabapentin. It is important to note that surgery is not a standard treatment for shingles itself, as it is a viral condition. For finding the right doctors, a primary care physician or a dermatologist can effectively diagnose and manage most cases, while a neurologist may be consulted for severe or persistent nerve pain; while hospital care is rarely needed, it may be required for complications affecting the eyes, brain, or for individuals with severely weakened immune systems.