It is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Chickenpox
appears in childhood, and shingles in adults. The older the zoster develops, the
more severe the symptoms are. The incidence of both diseases is greatly
increased in immunosuppressed individuals. Chickenpox is transmitted by
droplets of air or contact with bubble fluid, with an incubation time of 11-20
days. Herpes zoster affects the skin and the underlying nerve ganglia, which is
why severe pain occurs in the area. Chickenpox manifests itself with fever,
cramping and muscle aches followed by a rash with bubbles and itching,
starting from the scalp and face to then extend to the trunk and extremities.
When it occurs in adults, there can be serious complications such as
pneumonia, glomerulonephritis, optic neuritis and more. Herpes zoster initially
manifests with pain and itching in the area that is about to occur and often this
is the cause of a misdiagnosis (e.g. infarction, backache, appendicitis,
depending on the area of presentation).The bubbles then appear in the area of
the respective neurotomy. The most common complications are
postmenopausal neuralgia and secondary infections. If it is in the ear area, it
can cause facial paralysis. Zoster therapy should be started as soon as possible
(preferably within the first three 24 hours) and include acyclovir, famciclovir,
valaciclovir and intravenous acyclovir in immunosuppressed patients. Oral and
topical anesthetics are used to treat postural neuralgia. MD should be made of
coxsackie viruses, insect bites, dermatitis.