Herpes Zoster Pictures

What is Herpes Zoster?

Herpes zoster is caused by the virus that causes chickenpox. After the chickenpox heals, the virus lies dormant in the body and can reoccur later in life as shingles. This often happens to people over 50 and people with weakened immune systems due to other disease.

Where Can I See Pictures of Herpes Zoster?

The pictures below will show you what herpes zoster looks like. It usually occurs on one side of the face or body and can start off as just a red rash or red bumps. The bumps will then swell into sores and blisters that are very painful. The blisters can burst open and seep fluid. When the blisters burst, the resulting open sore is also extremely painful.

You can see from the pictures that the shingles usually form in patches or clusters and may make it impossible for the person to sit or lie on that side until the lesions heal.

Shingles on the face can be very damaging to the tissue of the face and the eyes and can result in hearing and vision loss.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Shingles?

Other than the obvious blisters and sores, some other signs and symptoms of shingles are tingling and burning of the area as well as itching it the area. You may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches.

How Do Painkillers Help Shingles?

You can see from the pictures that shingles can be very painful and can occur on virtually any part of your body. That’s why painkillers are used in the treatment process. Depending on the location and severity of your lesions, you may just use an over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you are experiencing extreme pain, your doctor may prescribe something stronger for you.