WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE...

...between shingles and hives?

SHINGLES is an infection caused by the virus that triggers chickenpox, and presents as a painful skin rash.

It appears as raised, red blotches on one side of the body, typically the chest or stomach. The blotches are very painful and can ooze fluid, but usually heal within four weeks.

While a person cannot pass on shingles, they can pass on the virus, which may develop as chickenpox in a person who has not had it before.

Hives also appear as a red, blotchy rash on the skin, which is very itchy and irritating.

They have several causes, usually an allergy to food, such as nuts or fish, or following a cold.