Herpes zoster (shingles), a viral infection caused by varicella-zoster virus. The virus can lie dormant in the spinal nerve ganglia, producing a rash and pain along the corresponding dermatome. Lumbar radiculopathy, a radiating back pain extending down a dermatome is due to compression of a spinal nerve root (sciatica).

Context Explanation

Healthline: The 30 Dermatomes Explained: A Complete Nerve Map of The Body Shingles under the breast occurs when the virus that causes shingles, known as the varicella-zoster virus, reactivates in the area of skin serviced by the T5 nerve. The T5 nerve, which emerges from ... The clinical presentation of herpes zoster depends on the age and health of the patient and which dermatome is affected. The first sign of herpes zoster is usually localised pain without tenderness or any visible skin change.

Insight Material

It may be severe, relating to one or more sensory nerves. The pain may be just in one spot, or it may spread out. Created 2009. Learning objectives Identify and manage herpes zoster infections Clinical features of herpes zoster Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the herpes varicella-zoster virus. The primary infection presents as chickenpox (varicella), usually during childhood.

Final Conclusion

Like herpes simplex, the virus persists in selected cells of dorsal root ... It is a type of shingles due to reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion of cranial nerve VII, which supplies the facial nerve. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is characterised by unilateral facial weakness and painful blisters โ€” either in the ear canal on the same side as the facial palsy or inside the mouth. Post-herpetic neuralgia describes chronic skin pain in an area previously affected by herpes zoster (shingles). Herpes zoster is a localised painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of herpes varicella-zoster virus sometime after the primary generalised infection with varicella (chickenpox).