The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a virus of the subfamily of Alfavirus responsible for infections with different clinical presentations. Primary infection occurs more frequently in the pediatric age presented as chickenpox. The reactivation of the infection occurs mainly in immunosuppressed patients, in the form of Herpes-Zoster [1]. Varicella-Zoster virus is associated with severe neurologi...

Background: Acyclovir, a specific and selective inhibitor of replication of herpesviridae family, has well documented efficacy for speedy rash healing and decreasing pain of herpes zoster. Limited oral bioavailability of acyclovir requires frequent dosing. Valacyclovir is rapidly and almost completely converted to acyclovir in vivo and gives three to fivefold increase in acyclovir bioavailabili...

Herpes zoster is a viral disease presenting with vesicular eruptions that are usually preceded by pain and erythema. Herpes zoster can be seen in any dermatome of the body but most commonly appears in the thoracic region. Herpes zoster virus is typically transmitted from person to person through direct contact. The virus remains dormant in the dorsal ganglion of the affected individual througho...

The epidemiology of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) was quantified from a variety of data sources and the potential cost-effectiveness of vaccination assessed. The annual incidence and severity of zoster increases sharply with age, as measured by physician consultation and hospitalisation rates, average length of stay, average proportion of cases developing PHN and the age-speci...

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a serious complication of herpes zoster that has a predilection for older individuals. PHN is often associated with significant morbidity, and it can cause insomnia, fatigue, depression and interference with daily activities in affected individuals. Treatment for PHN is initiated with anitvirals during the acute herpes zoster outbreak. Acyclovir, valacyclovir or ...

BACKGROUND Latent varicella zoster virus reactivates mainly in sensory ganglia such as the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) or trigeminal ganglion. The DRG contains many receptor channels and is an important region for pain signal transduction. Sustained abnormal electrical activity to the spinal cord via the DRG in acute herpes zoster can result in neuropathic conditions such as postherpetic neuralg...

Herpes zoster is a very common viral infection with disabling complications like post herpetic neuralgia in the affected dermatomes. Though this study was aimed to identify most dermatome involved, we also tried find out underlying triggers which herald onset of condition. Adequate treatment at appropriate time will prevent associated disease, thereby enhancing quality life for all patients.

Although patients with Bell palsy and trigeminal neuralgia occasionally present to primary care physicians, most of the syndromes in this article are somewhat rare in primary care practice. It is important to recognize signs and symptoms of these syndromes so that appropriate management is carried out. Patients may experience sensory and/or motor symptoms of the head and neck due to disorders o...

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a clinical manifestation of the reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection and is more common in people with diminished cell-mediated immunity. Lesions and pain correspond to the affected dermatomes, mostly in first or second trigeminal branch and progress from maculae, papules to vesicles and form pustules, and crusts. Complications are cu...

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic neuropathic pain condition that lasts 3 months or more after an outbreak of shingles. Herpes zoster, especially acute herpes associated with the reactivation inactivated varicella zoster virus in individuals who have had chickenpox. PHN persistent and often refractory pain. Patients may experience several types pain, including deep intolerable burning, ...