Herpes Zoster (Shingles) on the Back

A classical pattern for shingles. The infection follows a nerve root from the spine, along a rib, to the front of the chest. The area innervated by the nerve is called a "dermatome".

Adult Dermatome

Understanding the nerve distribution along the dermatomes is helpful in determining how certain diseases, such as shingles and some other neurological conditions, target one area of the body. The letter-number combinations show the relationship between each area and its corresponding sensory nerve. The vertebrae are classified as C for cervical, T for thoracic, L for lumbar, and S for sacral. The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve, represented by V.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) - Close-Up of Lesion

A close-up picture of herpes zoster skin lesions. Four small blisters (vesicles) are shown with red inflammation (erythema) around them. These vesicles will break, crust over, scab, and finally heal.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) on the Arm

This is a picture of herpes zoster (shingles) on the arm. Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Outbreaks of shingles follow the distribution of nerves in the skin. This distribution pattern, seen here on the arm, follows a dermatome (see the "dermatomes" picture).

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) on the Chest

This is a picture of herpes zoster (shingles) on the chest. Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Outbreaks of shingles often follow the distribution of nerves in the skin. This distribution pattern is called a dermatome (see the "dermatomes" picture). The linear distribution of the nerve in the skin is very easily seen in this photograph.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) on the Hand and Fingers

This is a picture of herpes zoster (shingles) on the hand and fingers. Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Outbreaks of shingles often follow the distribution of nerves in the skin. This distribution pattern is called a dermatome (see the "dermatomes" picture).

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) on the Neck and Cheek

This is a picture of herpes zoster (shingles) on the neck and cheek. Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Outbreaks of shingles often follow the distribution of nerves in the skin. This distribution pattern is called a dermatome (see the "dermatomes" picture).

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) on the Hand

Shingles occurs more commonly on the chest and back (trunk), but can involve the extremities. The large blisters (vesicles) on this person's hand represent involvement of the dermatome innervated by the 7th cervical nerve (see the "Dermatomes" picture).

Herpes Zoster (Shingles), Disseminated

Herpes zoster (shingles) normally occurs in a limited area that follows a dermatome (see the "dermatome" picture). In individuals with damaged immune systems, herpes zoster may be widespread (disseminated), causing serious illness. Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) on the Back

This photograph shows clusters of blisters (vesicles) and redness (erythema) caused by herpes zoster (shingles). The pattern follows a "dermatome" (see the dermatome picture). The area may burn or sting before the appearance of these vesicles. Early treatment with acyclovir (within 24 hours of the appearance of the vesicles) may prevent progression or reduce the time the infection is active (duration).