Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, gets its name from both Latin and French words for belt, or girdle, and refers to girdle-like skin eruptions on the trunk. Anyone who's had chicken pox can develop this eruption. The reason is that the same virus that causes chicken pox causes zoster.

What's the real name for shingles?

About 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as herpes zoster, in their lifetime.

Why is it called shingles and not chicken pox?

The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. Although shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, they are not the same illness. Chickenpox is usually a milder illness that affects children. Shingles results from a reactivation of the virus long after the chickenpox illness has disappeared.