Herpes Zoster Research Paper

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family, that causes two different infections: varicella and herpes zoster. This paper will include information on the history of Varicella Zoster Virus and how to treat it. Most people know varicella as chickenpox, which is a modified version of the previous term: chicken peas. It was previously called chicken peas because the red rash that appear resembles the vesicles of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or chicken pecks. Red, itchy spots begin to appear over the face, ears, scalp, abdomen, chest, back, arms, legs, basically anywhere on the body. The spots eventually develop into vesicles, also known as blisters, that are filled with clear fluid. The vesicles gradually dry out and scabs begin to form. These scabs will eventually fall out without leaving any scar. Herpes zoster, on the other hand, is an infection that …show more content…
The rashes that form usually last five to seven days. After the rashes, scabs begin to form over the vesicles that may take up four weeks to disappear completely. Herpes Zoster may cause a burning sensation to those who are infected. Although there are no risks for herpes zoster to be transmitted from one person to another, contact with the vesicular fluid can result in varicella for those who had not yet been infected by the VZV. Although antiviral therapy is not a cure and does not destroy the virus from multiplying, it can be used for patients who are in the early stages of infection. The antiviral therapy also helps reduce the risks of complications associated with herpes zoster such as ocular movement (Beutner et al 1995). People who are infected with herpes zoster are prescribed to take aciclovir, valaciclovir, and famciclovir. According to the CDC, treatment is more effective within three days of the appearance of the