Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the re-activation of the chickenpox virus in people who have previously had chickenpox. The virus can be re-activated because of a range of issues that include advancing age, immune-suppressants, illness, or stress. 

Dr Asok Kurup, Infectious Disease Expert, Mount Elizabeth Hospital helps us understand shingles better and whether its contagious.