Shingles

Shingles aka herpes zoster is a one-time only reactivation of childhood chicken pox. It initially presents with unilateral pain confined to a specific body area, only to be followed within days with the typical grouped blistering rash. It is critical to make the diagnosis and begin treatment early in order to prevent permanent pain. The rash disappears within 4-8 weeks. Today there are a variety of anti-viral drugs that significantly reduce the incidence of permanent pain so long as treatment is initiated within the first 48 hours. Dermatologists are experts at early diagnosis of this potentially devastating infection.