What condition is characterized by the development of painful, inflamed blisters along nerve routes?

The condition characterized by the development of painful, inflamed blisters along nerve routes is shingles, also known as herpes zoster. Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in the body after lying dormant in the nerve tissues. This reactivation can lead to a painful rash and blisters that typically follow a specific pattern along the affected nerve, often localized to one side of the body. The pain and discomfort can be significant and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, fever, and fatigue.

Other options presented are associated with different skin and inflammatory conditions. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that results in rapid skin cell production leading to thick, red patches covered with silvery scales, typically not categorized by blistering along nerve routes. Herpes simplex primarily causes sores in the mouth (cold sores) or genital areas and does not follow the pattern of nerve routes in the same manner as shingles. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, but it does not cause the distinctive blistering associated with shingles. Therefore, shingles is the correct choice when considering the specific symptoms described in the question.