Shingles

Also known a herpes zoster infection.  It appears as a small strip or cluster of painful blisters that usually occurs along a nerve path on one side of the trunk, scalp, or face, but can appear anywhere.  It is usually preceded by 2-3 days of severe pain in the area where the rash will appear.  Treatment includes antiviral medications, acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin) for pain relief, and lotions or soaks to sooth the rash.  Shingles usually resolves within 10 days.  In older people, long term pain can become a recurrent problem, This is called posterpetic neuralgia.  It can be relieved with anticonvulsants.