An Insight to Herpes Zoster : Review Article

Abstract

Herpes Zoster (Or Simply Zoster) Is An Acute, Self- Limiting Viral Infection Characterized By Painful Vesicular Eruptions With Erythema Typically Present As Unilateral Dermatomal Rash. It Is Caused By Reactivation Of Dormant Varicella Zoster Virus. About 1 Million Patients Per Year Are Affected By This Condition. It Mainly Affects The Elderly And Persons With Waning Cell Mediated Immunity. If Left Untreated It May Lead To Various Complications Of Significant Morbidity Leaving A Considerable Effect On Quality Of Life As Well As Economic Status Of The Patient; The Most Serious Complication Being The Post Herpetic Neuralgia, A Chronic Neuropathic Pain Syndrome Which Leaves The Patient In A Debilitating State. This Review Article Provides An Overview Of The Disease And Emphasizes More On The Classical Features And Conventional Treatment Modalities Of Zoster Thus Enabling The Oral Physician To Make Early Diagnosis And Give Prompt Treatment, Which Is The Mainstay For The Management Of The Disease.