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Herpes zoster

Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) results from infection by the varicella zoster virus. This common virus causes chickenpox (also known as varicella), which is characterised by itchy spots on the skin that cover the whole body and usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. After the body fights the initial infection, the varicella zoster virus remains in nerve cells for the rest of a person's life. Because the virus is controlled by immune system cells called T cells, it is generally inactive (latent) and typically causes no health problems. However, in some people, the virus becomes active again (reactivates) and causes shingles. Shingles can occur at any age, although it is rare in childhood and becomes more common after age 50.

Descrição

Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) results from infection by the varicella zoster virus. This common virus causes chickenpox (also known as varicella), which is characterised by itchy spots on the skin that cover the whole body and usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. After the body fights the initial infection, the varicella zoster virus remains in nerve cells for the rest of a person's life. Because the virus is controlled by immune system cells called T cells, it is generally inactive (latent) and typically causes no health problems. However, in some people, the virus becomes active again (reactivates) and causes shingles. Shingles can occur at any age, although it is rare in childhood and becomes more common after age 50.

Shingles is characterised by a severely painful, itchy, or tingling rash, most commonly on one side of the torso, although it can occur anywhere on the body. Reactivation of the virus usually occurs in a single nerve, leading to the symptoms of shingles in just the region of skin connected to that nerve. When the nerve connected to the eye and the skin surrounding it is affected, the condition is called herpes zoster ophthalmicus. This form of shingles, which accounts for about 20 percent of cases, can cause permanent vision impairment.

Some individuals with shingles feel throbbing or tingling in the affected region shortly before the rash appears. Blisters form in the rash area, break open, and scab over in a few days. Healing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Most people have only one episode of shingles, although it can recur in rare cases.

In 5 to 20 percent of people with shingles, severe pain continues in the affected region after healing of the rash, which is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is the most common complication of shingles. It can also involve severe itchiness or an overactive pain response to things that do not usually cause pain (allodynia), such as a light touch. PHN can last weeks, months, or even years. The likelihood of developing PHN after shingles and its severity increase with age. The pain caused by shingles and PHN can disrupt day-to-day activities and reduce a person's quality of life.

Padrões de herança

The source lists the following possible inheritance patterns: Pattern unknown. More than one pattern can apply in different cases.

Other names

Herpes zoster

Zoster

Related patient information and medicines

Herpes zoster

Patient information leaflet

Herpes zoster

Shingles is a rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chicken pox). After a chicken pox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells and can be re-activated causing shingles. What is shingles. Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a blistery rash which is often painful and which develops in one specific area of the.

Imunização

Patient information leaflet

Imunização

DTaP/IPV: for pregnant women from 16 weeks of gestation to protect the newborn baby against whooping cough or people travelli... Shingles (Shingrix): for adults aged 70 or 78 years. (Plus catch-up for adults born after 2nd September 1942 who have not previously been immunised if they are under 80 years). Shingles immunisation A shingles vaccine.

Catapora em crianças

Patient information leaflet

Catapora em crianças

Shingles Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and is a very delayed complication of chickenpox. Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin supplied by the nerve. It causes a rash and pain in a local band-like area along the affected nerve. About 1 in 5 people have shingles at some time in their lives. The.

Dor no quadrante superior esquerdo

Patient information leaflet

Dor no quadrante superior esquerdo

Left upper quadrant (LUQ) pain is pain located in the upper part of the abdomen on your left-hand side. Shingles Shingles can cause pain in the upper left abdomen because it affects the nerves in that area. The pain is usually on one side of the body, under the ribs or around to the back, in a stripe-like pattern. The LUQ is a common place for a.

Catapora em adultos e adolescentes

Patient information leaflet

Catapora em adultos e adolescentes

Chickenp... Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and so is a delayed complication of chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past may develop shingles. Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin supplied by the nerve. About 1 in 5 people have shingles at some time in their lives. It can occur at any.

Dor no quadrante superior direito

Patient information leaflet

Dor no quadrante superior direito

The right upper quadrant is a section of your tummy (abdomen) on the upper right hand side. In adults, the most common causes of right upper quadrant pain are: Gallstones. Shingles. An infection may develop, called cholecystitis , which causes more persistent RUQ pain along with a ... Shingles Shingles can cause pain in the right upper abdomen.

Leitura adicional e referências

Histórico do artigo

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  • 18 de ago de 2020 | Última versão
  • 1 Jan 2018 | Publicado originalmente

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