Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

A viral condition with telltale painful skin blisters sometimes accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

What is it?

Herpes Zoster, frequently referred to as Shingles, is a viral issue that presents as a painful skin eruption with blisters, usually displaying in a belt-like pattern on one side of the body. It is triggered by the Varicella-Zoster virus, the same virus that leads to chickenpox. If you've contracted chickenpox, the virus can remain inactive in nerve tissues for years, or even decades, and reawaken later in life, triggering shingles. Typical symptoms are pain, itching and a burning sensation before the outbreak of the red, raised rash, which may be joined by fever, headache, and exhaustion.

How is it treated?

The team at Buckeye Dermatology can help manage your symptoms from shingles and prevent escalation of the illness. Most patients we see are initially focused on treating the often-painful shingles rash. Your dermatologist may prescribe corticosteroids and various pain control tactics to reduce inflammation and lessen the severity of your rash. Depending on the severity of your case and how long you have been sick, we may prescribe antiviral medications to help your body fight off the virus.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help patients avert potential complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, a condition that can induce severe nerve pain long after the rash has subsided. Our team of board-certified providers are here to help in Dublin, Grove City and Dublin, Ohio.

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