Herpes zoster
Herpes Zoster (also known as Shingles) is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can enter the nervous system and lie dormant for years. Eventually, it may reactivate and travel along nerve pathways to your skin — producing shingles.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The signs and symptoms of herpes zoster usually affect only a small section of one side of your body. These signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain, burning, numbness or tingling
- A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
- Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
- Itching
Some people also experience:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Fatigue
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Herpes zoster is usually diagnosed based on the way the rash looks. If your doctor is unsure, they may perform laboratory tests, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect VZV DNA in fluid from the blisters.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
There's no cure for herpes zoster, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- Famciclovir (Famvir)
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Two vaccines may help prevent herpes zoster — the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine and the shingles (varicella-zoster) vaccine.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Chickenpox
- Varicella zoster virus
- Polymerase chain reaction
- Acyclovir
- Valacyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Vaccines
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD