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Suggest Treatment For Herpes Zoster Infection

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Posted on Sat, 17 Jan 2015
Question: Hi Doc,recently I had been affected with Herpes Zoster on left side of my face including left eye .My age is 23.I haven't suffered from chickenpox as far as I remember. I was health person before. Please suggest what may be the cause for herpes in my case.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You probably had a sub-clinical infection with the virus

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic

I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.

Herpes Zoster Or shingles is always caused by re-activation of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV); this is the same virus that causes chicken pox.

The virus (VZV) is usually acquired early in life and it may clinically manifest as an eruption of chicken pox Or varicella.
However, in some individuals, infection with the virus is asymptomatic i.e there is no eruption of chicken pox Or varicella.

In both the scenarios, this virus may re-activate later in life and manifest as Shingles Or Herpes Zoster.

Asymptomatic Or Sub-clinical infection with VZV probably explains the scenario in your case i.e you carry the infection even though you never had an eruption of chicken pox in your early years; and this virus has now manifested as Shingles Or Zoster.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 minutes later)
Thanks Doc.I have made necessary test required to check for other diseases. everything got negative.I am following anti virus medication(acivir tablet)since a month. what is chance of reoccurring and is this disease at 23 years is a rare case? please advice. I am worried a lot please help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Herpes Zoster is uncommon but not rare at your age. It can happen at 23.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

No, it is not a rare occurrence. Though, it is less common to have an eruption of Herpes Zoster at your age.
The course of antivirals i.e acyclovir is usually just for a week.
It is very rare that it would recur again in immediate future, not at least till the immunity to virus gradually wanes over the years.

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Herpes Zoster Infection

Brief Answer: You probably had a sub-clinical infection with the virus Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic I have taken note of your query and I have understood it. Herpes Zoster Or shingles is always caused by re-activation of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV); this is the same virus that causes chicken pox. The virus (VZV) is usually acquired early in life and it may clinically manifest as an eruption of chicken pox Or varicella. However, in some individuals, infection with the virus is asymptomatic i.e there is no eruption of chicken pox Or varicella. In both the scenarios, this virus may re-activate later in life and manifest as Shingles Or Herpes Zoster. Asymptomatic Or Sub-clinical infection with VZV probably explains the scenario in your case i.e you carry the infection even though you never had an eruption of chicken pox in your early years; and this virus has now manifested as Shingles Or Zoster. Regards