Symptoms of Herpes Zoster
The herpes zoster symptoms a person experiences will vary. For some people, the symptoms of herpes zoster can be very mild; for others (especially older adults), symptoms can be debilitating. There is no way to predict who will develop herpes zoster symptoms, how severe they will be, or whether a person will develop herpes zoster complications.
Two of the most common symptoms of herpes zoster are pain and a rash.
(Click Herpes Zoster Symptoms to learn more about the specific symptoms of herpes zoster, including specific early symptoms.)
Before making a herpes zoster diagnosis, the healthcare provider will ask a number of questions and perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of herpes zoster.
A typical case of herpes zoster is easy to diagnose. The doctor might suspect herpes zoster if:
- The rash is on only one side of the body
- The rash erupts along one of the many nerve paths, called dermatomes, that stem from the spine.
The doctor usually confirms a diagnosis of herpes zoster if the person also:
The treatment your healthcare provider recommends will depend on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, when the herpes zoster symptoms started, and whether herpes zoster complications occur.
Treatment options may include:
- Antiviral medicines and pain relievers
- Other medicines to treat complications such as postherpetic neuralgia
- Temporary changes in your lifestyle.
(Click Treatment for Herpes Zoster to learn more about specific treatment for herpes zoster, including how antivirals can help if given early enough.)
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