Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. It typically manifests as a painful rash with blisters, usually affecting a specific area of the body.
The clinical features of herpes zoster (shingles) typically include: –
- Pain or tingling: Often precedes the appearance of the rash, and can be intense.
- Rash: Appears as a band or patch of red, inflamed skin, usually on one side of the body or face.
- Blisters: Small, fluid-filled blisters develop within a few days of the rash appearing.
- Itching: The rash may be accompanied by itching or burning sensations.
- Crusting: The blisters eventually crust over and heal, usually within 2-4 weeks.
- Other symptoms: Some individuals may experience fever, headache, fatigue, or sensitivity to light.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have shingles, as early treatment can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Complications of herpes zoster (shingles) can include:
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. It typically manifests as a painful rash with blisters, usually affecting a specific area of the body.
The clinical features of herpes zoster (shingles) typically include:
1. Pain or tingling: Often precedes the appearance of the rash, and can be intense.
2. Rash: Appears as a band or patch of red, inflamed skin, usually on one side of the body or face.
3. Blisters: Small, fluid-filled blisters develop within a few days of the rash appearing.
4. Itching: The rash may be accompanied by itching or burning sensations.
5. Crusting: The blisters eventually crust over and heal, usually within 2-4 weeks.
6. Other symptoms: Some individuals may experience fever, headache, fatigue, or sensitivity to light.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have shingles, as early treatment can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Complications of herpes zoster (shingles) can include:
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): Persistent nerve pain in the affected area, which can last for months or even years after the rash has healed.
- Vision problems: If shingles affects the eyes (ophthalmic herpes zoster), it can lead to complications such as eye inflammation, scarring, or even vision loss.
- Neurological complications: In rare cases, shingles can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or spinal cord (myelitis).
- Skin infections: Bacterial infections may occur if blisters become scratched or broken, leading to complications such as cellulitis.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome: If shingles affects the nerves of the face, it can lead to facial paralysis, hearing loss, and other neurological symptoms.
- Generalized infection: In people with weakened immune systems, shingles can spread beyond the initial rash area and cause widespread infection.
