<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, derived from the Latin word Cingulum, for “girdle”. This is because a common presentation of HZ involves a unilateral rash that can wrap around the waist or torso like a girdle. HZ results due to reactivation of an earlier latent infection with the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in dorsal root ganglia. It occurs at all age groups, common over 60 years of age. It is estimated that in non-immune populations, approximately 15 cases per 1000 people occur per year. The objective of the study was to study the clinical characteristics in patients with uncomplicated herpes zoster.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 72 patients attending dermatology OPD at Ramaiah medical college between June 2013 to September 2014 were recruited after obtaining informed consent. A detailed history regarding onset of rash, pain, progression, duration and distribution of the lesions were recorded. Demographic information including age, sex, and any other co morbidities noted. Tzanck smear and serology for HIV was done where-ever necessary.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Of the 72 patients, females outnumbered males [M=35(48.61%), F=37 (51.39%)] with male to female ratio of 0.9 to 1. The mean age of presentation was 58±18 years. Majority of the patients (54%) were in the age group of 51 to 70 years followed by 31-50 years (25%). Least number of cases (9%) was in the age group of 21 to 30 years. Of the 72 subjects, thoracic involvement was noted in 30.6%, followed by lumbar (22%), and trigeminal (16%). Cervical (4%) and sacral (2%) involvement was the least. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Herpes zoster commonly occurs in old age and the presenting symptom being pain and burning sensation. Thoracic dermatome is the commonest site. Immunocompromised states like diabetes, malignancy and HIV can increase the risk of developing herpes zoster.</span></p>