Herpes Zoster

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Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster (pronounced: /ˈhɜːrpiːz ˈzoʊstər/), also known as Shingles, is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area. It is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the same virus that causes Chickenpox.

Etymology

The term "Herpes Zoster" comes from the Greek word "herpein", which means "to creep", referring to the spreading nature of the skin lesions, and the Latin word "zoster", which means "girdle" or "belt", referring to the characteristic distribution of the rash in a broad band along one side of the body.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of Herpes Zoster include headache, fever, and malaise. These symptoms are followed by sensations of burning pain, itching, and extreme sensitivity in the area where the rash will develop. After several days or up to a week, the characteristic rash appears: red patches, followed by small blisters that look very similar to early Chickenpox.

Treatment

Treatment for Herpes Zoster includes antiviral medications such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Famciclovir. Pain relief can be achieved through the use of Analgesics and Corticosteroids. In some cases, the postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can be treated with Tricyclic Antidepressants or Topical Anesthetics.

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