SHINGLES
Herpes zoster is a viral disease more commonly known as shingles. It is caused by the virus varicella zoster. Shingles causes lesions on the skin. Initially, the virus causes chicken pox and later becomes dormant in the nerve cells, non-neuronal satellite cells or cranial nerves.
Symptoms of singles are fever, head pain, burning pain, itching, hyperesthesia, or paresthesia and malaise. The rashes can occur on the face, torso eyes or any other parts of the body. Weak immune system, cancer, stress and fatigue are some of the reasons that cause shingles.
Shingles is diagnosed by severe pain and skin lesions that appear in a band. Tzanck smear, viral cultures or special antibody test, skin biopsy are some of the tests that are done to determine the existence of the disease.
Doctors prescribe pain killers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen etc., to relieve the pain. Anti depressants may be given to reduce post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are some of the antiviral drugs currently in use. These drugs could diminish the rashes and pain. Topical corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce the inflammation.
The VZV vaccine, commonly known as the chicken pox vaccine, can reduce the incidence of shingles as it is said to improve the immune system.