What is Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster is a viral infection that can cause blisters on the skin and intense pain. It can affect any region, but is more common on the face. The lesions usually manifest in the form of a band on one side of the body. It is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus - the same chickenpox virus - in people who have had chickenpox at some point in their lives and have a latent (dormant) virus in the body's lymph nodes.
Although not life-threatening, herpes zoster can cause physical disability of the affected limb. The vaccine decreases the chances of having the disease, of presenting post-herpetic neuralgia (NPH), and induces the reduction of acute and chronic pain associated with herpes zoster, while early treatment reduces the chance of complications. Anyone who has had chicken pox at some point in their life may develop herpes zoster. This is because the virus lodges in the ganglia and remains dormant for years. Eventually, it can be reactivated and "travel" along the nerve pathways to the skin - producing the eruptions.
The reason for herpes zoster occurring is unclear. One of the hypotheses is the reduction of immunity, since the disease is more common in people 60 years old or more and/or in people with a weakened immune system. Although rare, a person with herpes zoster can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to those who are not immune. This occurs through direct contact with the skin lesions. Once infected, the contact person may develop chicken pox and, in the future, herpes zoster. Factors that may increase the risk of herpes zoster include: (1) Age - From the age of 50 and especially from the age of 60, the higher the age the greater the risk, reaching a 50% chance in those over 85. (2) Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV / AIDS and cancer. (3) Treatments for immunosuppressants (such as cancer, for example). (4) Continuous use of medicines that reduce immunity.
Herpes zoster can appear on any part of the body, usually affecting only one side - the left or the right. It is common for the rash to begin in the middle of the back toward the chest, but it can also appear on the face, around the eye or even reach the optic nerve. It is possible to have more than one area of eruption on the body (belly, head, face, neck, arm or leg).
Seek medical help whenever you suspect herpes zoster, especially in the following situations: (1) If the pain and rash are near the eye, then if left untreated, the infection can cause permanent damage to the area. (2) If you are 60 or older, which increases the risk of complications. (3) If you or someone in your family has a weakened immune system. (4) If the rash is widespread and painful.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/index.html
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1132465-overview
https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/clinical-overview.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054
