Shingles is a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus - the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is not contagious, however, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is very contagious and if you have shingles, you can pass the virus on to others.

The damage of the acute shingles stage from the first symptoms is itching then burning pain, blisters, blisters burst and then scar healing. This stage is about 1 week to 10 days.