Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
This condition is caused by the same virus responsible for chicken pox. After the initial exposure, ‘herpes zoster’ lies dormant in certain nerve fibres. It may become active as a result of many factors such as: ageing, stress, suppression of the immune system and certain medications.
What to look for
It is characterised by the formation of a painful blister like rash and inflammation of the skin. The rash usually forms on one side of the face and mouth following the line of a neural pathway up to the midline. The nearby lymph nodes are usually enlarged and tender. Acute phase lasts for about a week but the pain continues until the blisters start healing.
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue)
- Herpes zoster causes a wide range of problems affecting the skin and the eye, forming on one side of face and mouth
- Red, sensitive, sore skin with blisters
- Pain (may be burning or throbbing), itching and tingling
Treatment
If severe, the antiviral drug Acyclovir (800mg 5 x daily x 7-10 days) may help. An analgesic may also be given to moderate pain (see Teeth Relief manual page 51).
Risk Factors
HIV – Herpes zoster occurs commonly at all stages of the HIV infection
Age – Shingles is most common in people older than 50
Diseases – that weaken your immune and cancer, can increase your risk of shingles
Medications – Prolonged use of steroids and chemotherapy and radiation
These pictures and the related text are free to download for training purposes only.
But please consider a donation to support our work.
Support our work
at Teeth Relief
If you have found these training
aids useful, please consider
making a donation to support
our work.