The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing chickenpox. Once the immune system has fought off the virus, however, it stays dormant in the body. If the virus gets reactivated, it can cause a disorder known as herpes zoster, which is commonly called shingles. Shingles is the result of the virus attacking nerves in the body and can lead to a multitude of symptoms.
Skin Symptoms
Herpes zoster often causes skin problems. As the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) explains, herpes zoster can cause a rash to appear on one side of the patient's body. This rash is often accompanied by pain in the areas that are affected. After a few days the rash will develop blisters filled with fluid. These blisters will be small and bright red. After they break, the blisters will crust over. JAMA notes that patients with herpes zoster will often experience a fever, chills and a headache during the infection.
Neuralgia
FamilyDoctor.org explains that herpes zoster can cause lingering pain even after the initial skin rash has disappeared. This is known as post-herpetic neuralgia and is a result of the infection causing persistent nerve inflammation. Post-herpetic neuralgia usually affects parts of the body that developed a rash due to the herpes zoster infection. This stinging or burning pain usually disappears after one to two months, though it can persist for longer.
Opthalmicus
FamilyDoctor.org explains that one complication of a herpes-zoster infection is called herpes zoster opthalmicus. This type of infection is caused by the virus spreading to the area around the eyes. This can cause blisters to appear on one side of the forehead and around the eye. Patients may develop swelling of their eyelids as well as eye redness and sensitivity to light. In extreme cases the infection can cause damage to the cornea, resulting in permanent vision impairment.
Oticus
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) explains that herpes zoser can also spread to the nerves in the face, leading to a condition known as herpes zoster oticus. Symptoms of this kind of infection include a rash tha develops around the ear, mouth, neck face and scalp as well as intense ear pain. Patients can also suffer from paralysis of muscles in the face as well as hearing loss and vertigo (due to inflammation of nerves in the ear). Patients may also develop an impaired sense of taste or develop ringing in their ears (tinnitus). Typically these symptoms are temporary but the vertigo, hearing loss, and facial paralysis can be permanent.
