Herpes zoster, more often known as shingles, is a painful viral infection that manifests itself in a blistering rash. The varicella-zoster virus, also responsible for chickenpox, is to blame.

The chickenpox virus can lay dormant in nerve cells for years after an infection has occurred. The virus can reactivate later in life, resulting in a case of shingles.

• The first signs are usually discomfort or a burning feeling, and they can be quite intense. • After the initial agony has subsided for a few days, a red, painful rash may form.

It is characterized by fluid-filled blisters and typically manifests in a localized area on one side of the body or face. Wherever the virus has reactivated, the rash will follow the path of an affected nerve.

• The rash could cause itching. • Some persons with shingles also experience other symptoms, such as a high temperature, a headache, extreme weariness, and photosensitivity.

If someone who has never had chickenpox or been immunized against the virus comes into close contact with the fluid from a shingles blister, they may become infected. In most cases, shingles will clear up on their own, but painkillers and antiviral drugs can help alleviate symptoms and lessen the likelihood of complications.

If the rash appears near the eye or the person has a compromised immune system, those who fear they have shingles should visit a doctor immediately. Early therapy can help minimize the duration of the sickness and lessen the risk of consequences, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which is chronic nerve pain that can remain long after the rash has healed.

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