Herpes Zoster Information and Treatment 

Herpes zoster, generally known as shingles, is caused by the same virus responsible for chicken pox. Anyone who has had chicken pox can develop herpes zoster. Varicella-zoster virus infection initially produces chickenpox.

Herpes zoster proclaims as a vesicular rash, commonly in a single dermatome. Development of the rash can be predated by paresthesias or pain along the involved dermatome. Earlier to exertion of the universal varicella vaccination program in the U.S., incidence of shingles increased with advancing age. Around 20 percent of those people who have had chicken pox will get zoster.

Most people get zoster only once. Like other herpes viruses, the varicella-zoster virus has an initial infectious stage (chickenpox) followed by a abeyant stage. Herpes zoster lives in nerve tissue. Outbreaks of shingles initiates with itching, numbness, tingling or harsh pain in a belt like pattern on the chest, back, or around the nose and eyes.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a nerve infection. Herpes zoster may cause several complications with the eye and surrounding skin which can have long term effects. Some problems listed occur devious from the inflammation caused by the disease.

A common complication following herpes zoster is postherpetic neuralgia. Shingles is usually aching, this is because the virus travels along the nerve to get to the skin resulting in inflammation and disserve to the nerve. There are two strains of herpes simplex viruses.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is generally related with of the lips, mouth, and face. Herpes zoster is cured with anti-viral, pain and anti-inflammatory medications. Post-herpetic neuralgia can be treated with pain relievers. The oral medications, anti-depressants, and anti-confiscation medicines may also be of some benefit.