fuoco di Sant'Antonio
masculine
In Italian, shingles is translated as fuoco di Sant'Antonio. Wiktionary also lists herpes zoster.
Meaning: herpes zoster (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| fuoco di Sant'Antonio | masculine |
| herpes zoster |
The term refers to the medical condition known as herpes zoster.
What does it mean word for word?
The common name fuoco di Sant'Antonio literally translates to 'Saint Anthony's fire'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The formal medical designation used by healthcare professionals is herpes zoster. In everyday conversation, the colloquial way to refer to the condition is fuoco di Sant'Antonio.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sicily, the term used is fuocu ri Sant'Antoniu.
When do people say it?
The name fuoco di Sant'Antonio stems from the historical association of Saint Anthony with the relief of skin ailments and burning sensations.
Did you know?
- The term fuoco di Sant'Antonio is used for two entirely different medical conditions: shingles and ergotism, a fungal poisoning that causes a burning sensation in the limbs.
- The word fuoco in the phrase shares a Latin ancestor, focus, with the English word 'focus'. While we use it for a center of attention, the original meaning was the 'hearth' or 'fireplace'.
- Saint Anthony was often depicted with a torch or fire, which reinforced the linguistic link between his name and the burning sensation of the rash.
Examples in context
- Il paziente è affetto da herpes zoster.The patient suffers from shingles.
- Mio nonno ha il fuoco di Sant'Antonio.My grandfather has shingles.
- Il fuoco di Sant'Antonio è molto doloroso.Shingles is very painful.
- Ha avuto il fuoco di Sant'Antonio l'anno scorso.He had shingles last year.
- Il medico mi ha curato il fuoco di Sant'Antonio.The doctor treated my shingles.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are talking about a health issue.
- GiuliaAlessandro, hai visto che macchie hai sulla pelle?Alessandro, have you seen the spots on your skin?
- AlessandroSì, credo di avere il fuoco di Sant'Antonio.Yes, I think I have shingles.
- GiuliaDovresti andare subito dal medico.You should go to the doctor immediately.
- AlessandroHai ragione, prenoto un appuntamento ora.You are right, I will book an appointment now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shingles” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, fuoco, herpes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
