Herpes Zoster - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Herpes Zoster Alternative names is Shingles. Shingles is a skin rash. Herpes zoster (shingles) is 1 of 2 distinctive manifestations of human infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and other being varicella (chickenpox). Chickenpox is a common and generally benign illness of childhood. Chickenpox is the primary infection, whereas herpes zoster represents reactivation of a previous infection. Herpes zoster typically manifests as a vesicular rash in a unilateral dermatomal distribution associated with pain. Symptoms usually resolve over several weeks to a month. Herpes zoster has been known since ancient times and, in fact, still carries the name used by Hippocrates.

It is characterized by an exanthematous vesicular rash. However, up to 20% of patients may experience prolonged and sometimes debilitating sequelae, chiefly postherpetic neuralgia. Eye problems caused by severe or chronic outbreaks of herpes zoster may include:  glaucoma , cataract , double vision, and scarring of the cornea and eyelids. Herpes zoster can cause several problems with the eye and surrounding skin that may have long term effects.  Inflammation and scarring of the cornea , along with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva ) and iritis are typical problems that require treatment.  In some cases, the retina and optic neve are involved. 

Causes of Herpes Zoster

Common causes of Herpes Zoster

• Reactivation of VZV.
• Chicken-pox virus.
• Stress.

Symptoms of Herpes Zoster

Common Symptoms of Herpes Zoster

• Headache.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Fever.
• Itching.
• Tingling.
• Pain.
• Rash.
• Fatigue.
• Malaise.
• Hearing loss.

Treatment of Herpes Zoster

Common Treatment of Herpes Zoster

• Acyclovir helps to control the skin eruption.
• If the discomfort is mild, take Tylenol or a similar mild painkiller.
• If you have too much pain, we can order a prescription painkiller to take until the pain subsides.
• Treat your rash gently. Compresses with dilute vinegar will make you more comfortable. Compress the blisters or crusts for 10 minutes twice daily with a mixture of one-quarter cup of white vinegar and two quarts of lukewarm water. Stop the compresses when the blisters have dried up.
• Small amount of white petrolatum (plain Vaseline) three or four times a day.
• Topical, intradermal, and systemic analgesics may provide relief from the discomfort caused by zoster

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