6 Common Questions About Herpes Zoster (shingles).

Herpes Zoster (popularly known as Shingles) is a disease caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes Varicella (or Chickenpox), a common childhood disease. After the first infection, the virus remains latent in the dorsal ganglia of the Central Nervous System for several years and may reappear in a situation of low immunity or, more frequently, over the age of 50.

Studies show that more than 20% of the population will experience at least 1 episode of Herpes Zoster during their lifetime.

It is characterized by a painful rash and subsequent appearance of vesicles. It initially presents with numbness, burning, itching or hypersensitivity in the region where, after a few days, vesicles appear. The disease is usually accompanied by strong local pain, which tends to be stronger in older people when compared to younger individuals.

The trunk is the site usually affected, but lesions can appear in other locations such as the face, arms or legs.

After 3-4 days the vesicles become ulcers and later crusts. During this phase secondary bacterial infection may occur and the use of antibiotics may be necessary. In most cases, the evolution is good and only local pain, which can be moderate to severe, brings some discomfort to the patient.

There are medications to treat herpes zoster and also to control pain, as well as a vaccine that prevents the onset of the disease.