HERPES ZOSTER Meaning and
Definition
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Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an individual recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the nerve tissues near the spinal cord and brain. However, under certain circumstances, such as a weakened immune system or advanced age, the virus can reactivate and cause herpes zoster.
The main characteristic of herpes zoster is the development of a painful rash, usually in a band or stripe pattern on one side of the body. The rash typically starts as red patches that evolve into fluid-filled blisters, which eventually scab over and heal within a few weeks. Along with the rash, individuals may experience symptoms like tingling, itching, burning, or intense pain in the affected area. Other common accompanying symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.
Herpes zoster is highly contagious, but it does not directly spread from one person to another. Instead, individuals who have not previously had chickenpox or received a chickenpox vaccine can contract the virus if they come into direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters. Once infected, these individuals are at risk of developing chickenpox, not shingles.
Treatment for herpes zoster typically includes antiviral medications to shorten the duration of the infection, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, which is persistent nerve pain that can persist after the rash has healed. Vaccines, notably the herpes zoster vaccine, have been developed to prevent herpes zoster outbreaks in individuals.
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Zona, zoster, shingles, an affection marked by an eruption of herpetic vesicles on one half of the body along the line of distribution of a cutaneous nerve; it occurs usually on the chest but may appear on the face or elsewhere; burning, tingling, or severe neuralgic pains may accompany the eruption.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HERPES ZOSTER
- gerpes zoster
- berpes zoster
- nerpes zoster
- jerpes zoster
- uerpes zoster
- yerpes zoster
- hwrpes zoster
- hsrpes zoster
- hdrpes zoster
- hrrpes zoster
- h4rpes zoster
- h3rpes zoster
- heepes zoster
- hedpes zoster
- hefpes zoster
- hetpes zoster
- he5pes zoster
- he4pes zoster
- heroes zoster
Etymology of HERPES ZOSTER
The word "herpes zoster" has its etymology derived from the Greek and Latin languages.
The term "herpes" comes from the Greek word "herpein", which means "to creep" or "to crawl". In ancient Greek medicine, "herpes" referred to any type of skin eruption or sore that seemed to spread and crawl on the skin's surface.
The term "zoster" is derived from the Greek word "zōstron", which means "girdle" or "belt". It refers to the characteristic pattern of rash that appears in herpes zoster, often resembling a belt or girdle-shaped eruption wrapping around one side of the body.
Thus, the combination "herpes zoster" literally means "creeping belt" or "crawling girdle" in reference to the creeping nature of the rash along with its distinctive pattern.
Similar spelling words for HERPES ZOSTER
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