HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES) AND POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA

Course overview

Herpes zoster (HZ; commonly called shingles) is a painful, blistering skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox (i.e., primary varicella infection). After primary VZV infection, the virus travels from the skin to the cranial nerves and dorsal root ganglion cells, where it remains dormant. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of relevant research regarding HZ and PHN, including evidence-based information on risk, symptoms, clinical presentation, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.