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Identify Shingles on Black and Brown Skin

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a common skin condition; its medical term is herpes zoster. This condition occurs as a result of the reactivation of the VZV varicella-zoster virus [1], which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles often occur after you must have had chickenpox. Once you have chicken pox, the virus (VZV) lies dormant in your nerve cell with a tendency to reactivate later in life resulting in shingles.

The exact cause of VZV reactivation is still unknown but has been traced to the weakening of the immune system due to underlying health issues, old age, and stress. A shingle is identified by a rash. On white skin, this rash may appear inflamed and bright red. However, shingles rash can look different a black and brown skin. This article will discuss with you how to identify shingles rash on black or brown skin and everything you need to know about it, including the symptoms to expect, risk factors, and when to see a doctor.