HERPES ZOSTER SHINGLES

HERPES ZOSTER, also known as shingles, is a recurrence of the chickenpox infection, but this time localized only to the distribution of the infected dorsal root ganglion, where it has been hiding over the years. Pain is the initially symptom, dull ache-like, which preceds the appearance of a rash approximately 1-2 weeks. The rash is maculopapular for 1 day, with vesicles appearing after and subsequently crusting. Treatment with acyclovir or famciclovir witihin 72 hours of the appearance of the rash could prevent future complications, some pain and early resolution of symptoms.

A picture of shingles rash on the neck of a young patient.

A picture of the typical vesicles, and the way they cluster in a patient with shingles.