Virus Causes Herpes Zoster

The cause of herpes zoster is similar to chicken pox, which is varicella zoster virus. This virus will settle in the body's nervous tissue even after the chicken pox healed.

The reason behind the active virus is not yet known for certain. But there are several trigger factors that are suspected to affect it, namely:

Age. This disease generally attacks the elderly (especially those aged 50 years and over).
Ever had chickenpox.
Decreased immune systems, such as diabetes, long-term steroids, or chemotherapy.
Experiencing stress.
People with herpes zoster can not transmit the disease to others, but can spread chicken pox. If you have not been exposed to chicken pox and have been in direct contact with a shingles rash, you may be infected with varicella zoster virus and have chickenpox.

If exposed to herpes zoster, the first symptom to be felt is pain. The pain can also be a burning sensation. A few days later, a semicircle rash appeared. This rash usually surrounds the left or right side of the body, especially on the abdomen and chest. This rash will then form a blister wound that contains water that itches and becomes corneal within 3-5 days.

Even so, the symptoms of this disease may vary. A small percentage of sufferers experience pain but without a rash. Here are the other symptoms that may accompany these two main symptoms:

Fever and chills.
Pain throughout the body.
Headache.
Herpes zoster is generally not a serious and life-threatening disease. But you should contact your doctor immediately if you have had chicken pox and feel the symptoms above to be treated as early as possible to reduce the risk of complications.