Herpes Zoster
One's first encounter with the herpes zoster virus is usually childhood chicken pox. Later in life, the virus may reactivate, causing a characteristic rash of small blisters, frequently on the chest or forehead, which form crusts and may leave scars. This second encounter is known as shingles.
A typical case of herpes zoster (shingles) involving the
forehead and eye.
Unlike chicken pox, this
condition is usually quite painful. Although this disease
often occurs in normal, healthy people, it occurs more
frequently in elderly or immune-compromised individuals.
It is important to see an ophthalmologist when herpes
zoster occurs on the face because the virus may invade the
eye. An ophthalmologist looks for elevated pressure in the
eye, inflammation, and herpes zoster lesions on the surface
of the eye. All these problems can be treated but they are
sometimes difficult to manage. Therefore, careful treatment
and follow-up are required. New oral antiviral medications
are providing sufferers with a quicker, more complete
recovery.