Herpes Zoster - Treatment and Symptoms

Herpes Zoster is a viral disease which is due to reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus acquired during the primary varicella infection, or chickenpox. After infection with chickenpox, the virus resides in a non-active state in the nerve tracts that emerge from the spine. When it is re-activated, it spreads along the nerve tract, first causing pain or a burning sensation. Herpes zoster can cause several problems with the eye and surrounding skin that may have long term effects. It is a localized infection with varicella-zoster virus, which causes a painful, blistering rash. After the initial exposure, herpes zoster lies dormant in certain nerve fibers.   It may become active as a result of many factors such as:  aging, stress, suppression of the immune system, and certain medications. Many who experience this infection find it extremely painful.  This acutely painful phase usually lasts several weeks; however, some continue to experience pain or neuralgia long after the outbreak has cleared.  This is known as post-herpetic neuralgia. 

What are the symptoms of Herpes Zoster ?

Symptoms of Herpes Zoster includes

• Warning symptoms of unilateral (on one side) pain, tingling, or burning sensation limited to a specific part of the body -- pain and burning sensation may be intense
• Reddening of the skin (erythema) followed by the appearance of blisters (vesicles)
• Grouped, dense, deep, small blisters that ooze and crust

• Fever, chills
• General feeling of malaise
• Headache
• Lymph node swelling
• Vision abnormalities
• Taste abnormalities
• Drooping eyelid ( ptosis )
• Loss of eye motion (ophthalmoplegia)
• Hearing loss
• Joint pain
• Genital lesions (female or male)
• Abdominal pain

Treatment of Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster is treated with anti-viral, pain and anti-inflammatory medications.  Eye drops and ointments may be prescribed to treat ocular problems.  In some cases, secondary conditions caused by herpes zoster may require surgery. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that may be prescribed to shorten the course, reduce pain, reduce complications, or protect an immunocompromised individual. Desciclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir, and penciclovir are similar to acyclovir and may be used to treat herpes zoster. Pain medicines (analgesics) , mild to strong, may be needed to control pain. Antihistamines may be used topically (direct application to the body) or orally (by mouth) to reduce itching. Zostrix, a cream containing capzasin (an extract of pepper), may prevent post-herpetic neuralgia.

If you like this page, please post it on: