What Is Herpes Zoster?

Answer 1

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area. Typically the rash occurs in a single, wide stripe either on the left or right side of the body or face. Two to four days before the rash occurs there may be tingling or local pain in the area. Otherwise there are typically few symptoms though some may have fever, headache, or feel tired. Keyword: herpes zoster; herpes_zoster

Comments

Is it contagious

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Shingles is a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles itself is not contagious. You can’t spread the condition to another person. However, the varicella-zoster virus is contagious, and if you have shingles, you can spread the virus to another person, which could then cause them to develop chickenpox.

The varicella-zoster virus will stay in that person’s nerve tissue for the rest of their life. For most of that time, the virus stays in an inactive state. But if the person’s immune system can’t contain the virus, the virus could then activate again years later. This could cause the person to develop shingles.

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What is the specific type of pain medication for zoster pain. I am wondering if the nerve pain can be better controlled? very painful

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Ibuprofen can be used for mild pain. For severe nerve pain, powerful opioid painkillers can help. What drugs are you taking? You can consult your doctor if you feel your pain is not well controlled.