What is a common characteristic of shingles?

A common characteristic of shingles is the presence of painful blisters. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The condition typically manifests with a painful rash that develops into clusters of blisters, often localized to a specific area on one side of the body. These blisters are usually accompanied by significant discomfort or pain, which distinguishes shingles from other skin conditions.

The painful nature of the blisters is attributed to the inflammation of the nerves that occurs during an outbreak, leading to a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause persistent pain even after the blisters have healed. This acute pain and blistering is a hallmark of the disease, making it a key characteristic of shingles.