Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Acute

What is Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral syndrome caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. After an episode of varicella (chicken-pox), the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the nervous system. Herpes zoster typically occurs in adults or elderly.

People can have pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. This can happen several days before the rash appears. People can also have a fever before the rash appears.

  • Postherpetic neuralgia. For some people, shingles pain continues long after the blisters have cleared.
  • Vision loss. Shingles in or around an eye (ophthalmic shingles) can cause painful eye infections that may result in vision loss.
  • Neurological problems.
  • Skin infections.

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). Primary infection with VZV causes varicella. After a person has varicella, the virus remains latent in the dorsal root ganglia.

Vaccination. Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) is the recommended vaccine to prevent shingles and related complications. For information about vaccination recommendations see Shingles Vaccination.

  • Age. The risk of developing shingles increases with age
  • Some diseases. Diseases that weaken your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can increase your risk of shingles
  • Cancer treatments. Radiation or chemotherapy can lower your resistance to diseases and may trigger shingles
  • Some medications

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Treatment consists of antivirals and nerve pain medications which could be oral or topical Treatments include pain relief (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) and antiviral medications such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir (Shingrix/Zostavax), and numbing medications such as Lidocaine. A chickenpox vaccine in childhood or a shingles vaccine in adulthood can minimize the risk of developing complications.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

PCR is the most useful laboratory test for confirming cases of herpes zoster. PCR testing and genotyping can also distinguish between wild-type and vaccine strains of VZV. Swabs of unroofed vesicular lesions and scabs from lesions are ideal

Book an Appointment

arrow arrow