Zovirax Treats Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster, more commonly referred to as shingles, is a virus characterized by a painful skin rash accompanied by blisters on a limited area of the body. The primary infection causes chickenpox, which generally occurs in young children. After this initial outbreak, the virus lies dormant in the body. It is this dormant virus that can reawaken later in life causing shingles, or herpes zoster. Shingles is usually seen in older people, and those with a lower immune system.
The initial symptoms of shingles include fever, headache, and a general malaise, which can result in an inaccurate diagnosis. These symptoms are usually followed by itching, burning pain, oversensitivity or paresthesia (a pins and needles sensation). The pain may be intense in the affected location, with feelings such as stinging, aching, tingling, numbing or throbbing.
In most cases, after 1-2 days, the initial symptoms are followed by the appearance of a skin rash which at first appears similar to hives, but often takes on a stripe pattern that is contained to one side of the body, never crossing the midline. The rash then forms small blisters that will become cloudy or darkened and crust over. Within seven to ten days the crusts usually fall off and the skin heals, but some scarring and discolored skin may remain. Untreated, the outbreak can last from two to five weeks.
Zovirax Oral is a proven effective treatment for herpes zoster outbreaks. Pills should be taken 5 times daily in 4 hour intervals for 7 days. Treatment should be started as early as possible and the patient should be properly hydrated throughout the treatment.
