Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is most common in older adults and people who have weak immune systems because of stress, injury, certain medicines, under radiotherapy or immunosuppresants, or other reasons.
Patients usually experience pain, itching or burning sensation over the affected area 4-5 days before skin lesion appears.
The skin lesions distribute along a localized strip, a dermatome, and usually involve only one side. The most commonly affected area is the chest, but lesions over the face, waist or limbs is also possible. Symptoms usually last for 7 days, and the vesicles may blister and turn into crust and then scar and peel in 2-3 weeks.
Take medication as instructed and follow-up as scheduled.
Practice good hygiene and do not burst the vesicles to prevent infection.
If there is persistent fever, shortness of breath, headache, loss or change consciousness, or blurry vision, return to the hospital at once.