Define Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, arises from infection with the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. The major symptoms of herpes zoster are pain and red rash with blisters.
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Varicella-Zoster Virus
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An initial infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) leads to chickenpox. The virus then goes latent in some nerve cells, and a recurrence causes herpes zoster; shingles affects mostly people over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems.
Pain
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The first symptom of shingles is pain, which can often be severe. This occurs along the path of the nerve affected by reactivation of the virus.
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Rash
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A rash appears along the path of the same nerve after pain develops, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some people experience no rash or only a very mild rash, which can make the condition more difficult to diagnose.
Complications
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Shingles can lead to a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN can lead to chronic pain long after the viral rash has disappeared.
Treatment
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Herpes zoster is treated primarily through the use of antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) and corticosteroids, along with pain relievers.
Prevention
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of the shingles vaccine for adults over the age of 60. It reduces one's chances of developing shingles as well as PHN.
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