Chest pain can have many causes, and while it is often related to heart, lung, or gastrointestinal issues, it can also be linked to certain skin conditions. For example, shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can cause sharp, band-like pain in the chest area before a rash appears. This pain can be severe and is often mistaken for other serious conditions. Another skin-related cause of chest pain is costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting a rib to the breastbone, which can cause pain similar to that of a heart attack. If you experience chest pain, it's important to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.