We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.
May Sarton
What is shingles?
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is chickenpox the second time around. It is a varicella virus, not herpes-the term herpes is used to describe the herpetic (small blisters) pattern of the infection. Zoster is a viral infection dormant in a dorsal root ganglion and is reactivated in an immune compromised person.
Symptoms include pain and/or paresthesias followed by eruption of red plaques that become vesicles, usually along a single dermatome or area of the skin (Plate 5). The vesicles later become covered by crusts. The pain may be felt before, during, and after (postherpetic neuralgia) the vesicular eruption.
Although unlikely, it is possible for a person who has never been exposed to the virus to catch chickenpox from someone who has an outbreak of shingles. In severe cases, you should be suspicious of an underlying lymphoma, leukemia, or AIDS.
Zoster can mimic herpes simplex, poison ivy, or cellulitis, and thus, it is important to get a biopsy or blood test if in doubt.
Treatment includes oral and topical prednisone, oral antivirals, nerve blocks, topical lidocaine patch, or lidocaine cream.
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is chickenpox the second time around.
Term:
Cellulitis – An infection of the deeper layers of the skin characterized by redness, swelling, and pain.
