Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash due to the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox.
See also:
Herpes zoster
After you get chickenpox, the virus remains inactive (becomes dormant) in certain nerves in the body. Shingles occurs after the virus becomes active again in these nerves years later.
The reason the virus suddenly become active again is...
Read moreRecently, the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices officially recommended that adults older than 60 years of age... Read more »
A study published in the December issue of Arthritis Care and Research found that RA patient are nearly twice as likely to develop herpes... Read more »
In a prior entry, I discussed Voltaren Gel. But there are some other prescription topical agents worth talking about this fine morning. ... Read more »
There is no "typical presentation" of herpes. Some people after exposure will develop outbreaks or recurrences with a vesicular,... Read more »
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
Prevention Although the chickenpox vaccine is not recommended to prevent shingles, the hope is that children who have had the vaccine to prevent... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
for Postherpetic NeuralgiaPostherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is difficult to treat. Once PHN develops, a patient may need a multidisciplinary approach that... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
for ShinglesThe treatment goals for an acute attack of herpes zoster include:Reduce painReduce discomfortHasten healing of blistersPrevent the... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Chickenpox (varicella) rarely causes complications, but it is not always harmless. It can cause hospitalization and, in rare cases, death.... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
VaccinationThere are two types of varicella vaccines:A chickenpox vaccine for vaccinating children, adolescents, and adultsA shingles vaccine for... Read more »