What is Herpes Zoster?
Herpes Zoster Virus (HZV) causes shingles and is the same virus that causes chicken pox. The virus remains dormant in the body after a chicken pox infection and can reactivate later. Herpes zoster infection involving the eye can appear very similar to a HSV infection. A rash usually develops on the forehead and around one eye and can eventually involve the conjunctiva, cornea, uvea and retina.
Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which results in a painful rash of small blisters on a strip of skin anywhere on the body. On some occasions, even after the rash is gone, the pain may continue for a prolonged period of time. Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerves. Herpes zoster is more common in persons with a depressed immune system, and in persons over the age of 50. It is quite rare in children and the symptoms are mild compared to what an adult may experience. Children who have weakened immune systems may experience the same, or more severe, symptoms as adults. Children most at risk for herpes zoster are those who had chicken pox during the first year of life or whose mothers had chicken pox very late during pregnancy.
Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox). The virus causes a painful rash of small blisters on a strip of skin anywhere on the body. On some occasions, the pain may continue for a prolonged period of time even after the rash is gone. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerves. If the virus reactivates, however, it causes shingles. Herpes zoster is more common in people with depressed immune systems or over the age of 50. It is very rare in children, and the symptoms are mild compared to what an adult may experience. Children who have weakened immune systems may experience the same, or more severe, symptoms as adults, however. What are the symptoms of herpes zoster? Herpes zoster most often occurs on the trunk and buttocks, but can also appear on the arms, legs, or face. Each child may experience the symptoms differently. The most common symptoms may include: • Skin hypersensitivity in the area where the herpes
