Shingles is an acute, localized infection caused by the virus, Herpes varicellae, and is characterized by painful blistering eruptions. It is accompanied by localized rash and pain. Sometimes the pain starts before the rash appears. The rash typically lasts 2 - 5 weeks. The most feared complication of shingles is persistent pain after the rash has healed (post-herpetic neuralgia). In severe cases, the rash can leave permanent scars, long-standing pain, numbness, and skin discoloration. A second attack of shingles is very unusual. Sometimes herpes simplex, which can recur frequently, is misdiagnosed as recurrent shingles. The risk for shingles and the likelihood of persistent pain both increase with advancing age. The disorder is common, with about 300,000 cases in the U.S. per year (about 2 out of every 1,000 people).