| Herpes Zoster is
a condition that occurs as a result of viral infection.
Herpes Zoster is also known as "Shingles",
and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus,
which also causes chickenpox.
Following an attack of chickenpox, the
virus lays dormant in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord.
Later, due to one of various stimuli, the virus may migrate down the sensory
nerve to affect one or more dermatones on the skin in a band, causing the characteristic
singles rash.
One side of the face or eye (ophthalmic zoster) may be involved.
Shingles may be chronically painfully (post-herpetic neuralgia), especially
in the elderly.
This condition is distinctly different from Herpes
Simplex. For more information about other skin problems, see the page about Skin
Conditions and Disorders.
This may interest students of massage, reflexology,
beauty therapies, or other health or clinical courses. |
