Herpes zoster, commonly known as “serpentine sores”, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a virus that hides in the nerves for years to decades and does not cause symptoms when the virus is dormant. The herpes and painful areas are distributed along the nerves, mostly on the chest and waist in a band-like pattern, followed by the eyes and forehead, and sometimes on the extremities. The majority of herpes zoster does not exceed the midline. It is more common in older people over 60 years of age, who are more susceptible to the disease because of their weakened resistance.