Zostervirus.net

In order to get an appreciation of herpes zoster it is important to see some shingles pictures.

Shingles is a very painful rash cause by the herpes zoster virus. This same virus causes chicken pox. The majority of people only get one episode of shingles and that will suffice for a lifetime. The rash and pain are not easily forgotten as the pain is excruciating. Most people have no idea if they have shingles and thus it is important to know what the rash looks like so that they can seek early treatment. Vivid pictures of shingles rash can be seen at www.nlm.nih.gov/…/ency/imagepages/19687.htm.

In most individuals, the rash appears just below the breast and is tender to touch. Another example of the shingles rash can be seen at http://www.prestonhunt.com/hd/pics/87%20Shingles.jpg.

Shingles always presents with a vague pain followed by a skin rash in the next 48 hours, the rash is also characterized by a number of fluid filled blisters called vesicles. Other pictures of shingles can be seen at http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/pictures22/dermnet/herpes_zoster_shingles_trunk06.jpg. The blisters tend to break down and eventually crust over. It is during this period of time that shingles is most contagious.

Shingles is only contagious to people who have never had chicken pox previously and some type of skin contact is required. For this reason, doctors recommend that all affected individual cover the shingle blisters with a dry dressing. However, even the lightest touch of any fabric can induce pain. An example of shingles on the back can be seen at http://www.pyroenergen.com/articles08/images/herpes-zoster-shingles2.jpg.

The available drugs only work when started within 24 hours of the rash.

While the shingle virus tends to occur along the nerves in the chest or abdomen in some cases, it may also occur on the face. Herpes zoster can be very dramatic when it occurs on the face and usually affects on eye. The individual will feel intense pain, tearing of the eyes, blurred vision and feel ill. Immediate medical attention is recommended because permanent damage to the eye can occur if treatment is not initiated. An example of herpes zoster of the eye can be seen at http://www.seniorark.com/Health%20Articles/shingles.jpg. The majority of people who have herpes zoster of the eye are the elderly and the episode usually last anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

Shingles is also quite common on the back. Unlike the front of the body, shingles on the back is often quite widespread because of the density of nerves. Shingles pictures can be seen on most dermatology or infectious disease websites.