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Post-herpetic Neuralgia is typically a complication of Herpes Zoster. Women with a history of Herpes Zoster or Herpes Simplex II may have children, however if their are active lesions, it is possible to transmit the virus to the newborn.
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is an infection caused by the varicellazoster virus (VZV) affecting mainly adults. It causes painful skin blisters that follow the underlying route of spinal nerves which have been infected by the virus. The pain and blisters usually only occur on one side of the body. Any sensory nerve may be affected. The pain, which may be constant or intermittent, superficial or deep, usually occurs before the rash begins. Other symptoms present may include fever, nausea and headache. The blisters usually evolve from small red bumps along the path of the nerve and the overlying skin is very sensitive. Sores may appear in a matter of hours, however they usually appear over the course of several days. The bumps swell and thicken and by the end of the first week, crusting is seen. The symptoms usually begin to resolve within 2 weeks but may persist up to 5-6 weeks.
Treatment includes cool compresses, calamine lotion to relieve itching and pain medication. Skin medications such as Capsaicin cream is quite helpful as is the use of medications such as Acyclovir, Valtrex or Famvir given for 7 days.