Herpes Zoster/Shingles
One's first encounter with the herpes zoster virus is usually
childhood chicken pox. Later in life, the virus may reactivate,
causing a characteristic rash of small blisters, frequently on the
chest or forehead, which form crusts and may leave scars. This
second encounter is known as shingles (See Photo).
Unlike chicken pox, shingles is usually quite painful. Although this
disease often occurs in normal, healthy people, it occurs more
frequently in elderly or immune-compromised individuals.
It is important to see an eye doctor when herpes zoster occurs on
the face because the virus may invade the eye and cause other
complications
(See Photo). An eye doctor looks for
elevated pressure in the eye, inflammation, and herpes zoster
lesions on the surface of the eye. All these problems can be treated
but they are sometimes difficult to manage. Therefore, careful
treatment and follow-up are required. New oral antiviral medications
are providing sufferers with a quicker, more complete recovery.
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