Herpes Zoster - What Is Herpes Zoster?

The concepts of both genital and oral herpes are very familiar in our society. You may not be so familiar with a type called herpes zoster though. Many people think it is something new but it is actually a very old virus. It has become a very difficult strain of herpes to control because it continually evolves. You may know herpes zoster as a very common name though called shingles. It can be very dangerous as it causes the skin to deteriorate.

Herpes zoster stems from the very virus that causes chickenpox. Once the chickenpox have cleared up the virus remains in the body but dormant. Scientists and researches haven’t discovered what makes it become active again in some individuals though. Research has shown that individuals who have never had the chickenpox don’t contract shingles though.

Many researchers believe herpes zoster is the result of a person getting older, their body going through changes, stress, and a weak immune system. This is because the majority of people diagnosed with shingles are over sixty and they have a low immune system. Most people break out with a rash due to shingles along their torso. It usually starts on the spine and works its way up. In most cases only one side of the body is affected by the virus. It is quite painful as blisters develop. Eventually they rupture and leave sores that turn to scars.

There are three different branches of nerves found in the face. If the herpes zoster affects particular nerves attached to the spine, the rash may appear on the face as well. There is a zone on the lower, middle, and fore areas of the head. The virus is stronger on the face than on the back and stomach areas. They can be very dangerous as the blisters can appear in the mouth and the eyes. It can result in blindness is proper medical care is not given.

There are plenty of other health issues associated with herpes zoster as well. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a type of pain that continually gets worse. It can also cause the person to lose their taste buds, hearing loss, and paralyze their facial muscles. There is still plenty of research that needs to be done in the area of herpes zoster to battle this virus.

By: Caleb Liu

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If you found this information on Herpes Zoster useful, you'll also want to read about Herpes Simplex And Pregnancy.