Herpes and Shingles

Herpes zoster is the official name for the condition commonly known as shingles. Herpes zoster is an infection of the varicella-zoster virus. Herpes zoster manifests itself as a painful, blistering rash. The varicella-zoster virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox. It normally remains dormant after an episode of chickenpox, but for one reason or another, it is reactivated in cases of shingles.

When the virus is first reactivated, it travels up the nerve tract, which results in the individual with shingles experiencing a burning sensation. This sensation usually occurs in a large patch along one side of the body. After several days, herpes zoster will physically appear as a rash. Because it is caused by the same virus, the rash that accompanies shingles looks very similar to that of an early case of chickenpox. The rash may continue to grow for a few days, and then the small blisters that make up the rash will burst. This will emit an oozing pus for several days, which will eventually dry up and cause the blisters to crust and scab over. After a few weeks, the scabs will fall off and leave behind tender, pink skin.

Although herpes zoster normally occurs along one side of the body, it can actually spread to the face. In these cases, medical attention is extremely important because there are a variety of complications that can arise if proper care is not taken.

Although the official name for shingles contains the word herpes, it is in no way related to the sexually transmitted disease known as herpes.

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