Herpes zoster virus

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.

Etiology

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. Not everyone who's had chickenpox develops 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 history of pain on one side of your body, along with the telltale rash and blisters. Laboratory tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There's no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include:

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Prevention

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

See also

• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Herpes simplex virus
• Viral disease