The varicella-zoster virus can cause chicken pox (usually in children) or shingles (usually in adults). Even after a chicken pox infection has passed, the virus remains in to body and can reactivate and travel to nerve roots in skin where it can cause the skin rash and pain typically associated with shingles. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia and is frequently misdiagnosed as shingles. Immediate diagnosis and treatment of shingles with drugs such as Famvir, Valtrex or Zovirax can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by Yuma Sun
About: Early treatment of shingles can reduce risk of developing a painful condition
Date: 18 January 2005
Source: Yuma Sun
Author: Paul G. Donohue, M.D.
URL:
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