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

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

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

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

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

Two vaccines may help prevent herpes zoster — the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine and the shingles (varicella-zoster) vaccine.

See Also

• Chickenpox
• Varicella zoster virus
• Polymerase chain reaction
• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Vaccines

Herpes zoster Resources
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