Herpes zoster (also known as "shingles") is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox, a common childhood illness, is also caused by this virus. After chickenpox, the virus isn't completely eliminated, but remains dormant in ganglion cells for years. Once the body's immune system weakens, the virus can multiply and cause shingles.
According to statistics, 99.5% of people over 50 have had chickenpox, and approximately one-third of these individuals will develop shingles due to a recurrence of the virus. An estimated 30,000 people in Singapore develop the disease annually.
The clinical manifestations of shingles are: approximately 10 days before the rash appears, there is a localized burning sensation, severe tingling pain, or numbness. This is followed by the development of erythema and the formation of clusters or patches of small blisters. The rash typically appears only on the left or right side of the body, along a nerve path, often on the chest, back, and face, resembling a belt. Other cold-like symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, and other common cold-like symptoms. Most patients have no obvious triggers before the onset of the disease. The elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and those who have undergone organ transplants are at high risk.
