Herpes zoster
Herpes zoster Causes
The exact mechanism of varicella-zoster reactivation is not known; however, a reduced cellular immunity is a causative factor.
Herpes zoster Definition
Herpes zoster (or zoster), commonly known as shingles, is a viral disease marked by a painful skin rash with blisters in a limited area on one side of the body.
Herpes zoster Diagnosis
Laboratory tests are available to diagnose the presence of herpes zoster. The most common test detects VZV-specific IgM antibody in blood.
Herpes zoster Symptoms and Signs
The initial symptoms of herpes zoster, which include headache, fever, and malaise, are nonspecific, and may lead to an incorrect diagnosis. These symptoms are commonly followed by sensations of itching, burning pain, and hypersensitivity. These sensations are often described as stinging, aching, tingling, numbing or throbbing, and can be interspersed with quick stabs of agonizing pain. In most cases, after 1-2 days (but sometimes even as long as 3 weeks) the initial phase is followed by the addition of the characteristic skin rash.
Herpes zoster Treatment
Antiviral drugs inhibit VZV replication and decrease the severity and duration of herpes zoster with minimal side effects, but do not reliably prevent postherpetic neuralgia. Of these, aciclovir had been the standard of care; the new drugs valaciclovir and famciclovir demonstrate similar or superior efficacy or safety/tolerability.
Drugs used for treatment of Herpes zoster
Valtrex
Zovirax