What is Herpes zoster

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (Chicken Pox). These infections may affect the eyelids and surrounding skin and may cause keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye like symptoms). This ocular disease may be divided into 3 phases: acute, chronic, and relapsing.

HZO begins with localized pain over the distribution of the first division of the trigeminal nerve, followed by a skin blisters over the forehead, lymph node enlargement in the drainage areas, fever, malaise, headache, sometimes neck stiffness, and a red eye. Localized pain may precede the rash by several days.

Symptoms (some or all may be present - frequently 3 weeks after rash begins):

• Eye pain
• Red eye (usually unilateral)
• Decreased vision
• Skin/eyelid rash and pain
• Fever
• Malaise
• Tearing

Causes:

HZO results from reactivation of latent VZV that has remained dormant within the trigeminal nerve ganglion. Immunocompromised individuals with decreased cell-mediated immunity from HIV, carcinoma, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are at greater risk of reactivation of latent VZV than immunocompetent individuals.   The condition tends to be re-current.

Activators:

• Fever
• Ultraviolet light
• Cold wind
• Systemic illness
• Menstruation
• Emotional stress
• Local trauma
• Immunosuppression

Allopathic Treatment (traditional medicine)

• Adequate analgesia is important for management of pain associated with HZO.
• Secondary bacterial infection of the vesicles should be treated with antibiotics.
• Involvement beyond the trigeminal nerve should prompt an exam for immunocompromise.
• Apply warm compresses to skin lesions.
• Anti-Virals (oral) Valacyclovir (Valtrex) -- Prodrug that rapidly converts to acyclovir before exerting its antiviral activity
• Azithromycin (Zithromax) -- Used to treat mild to moderately severe secondary infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms
• Corticosteroids (oral Prednisone) -- These agents help to relieve acute pain, decrease vertigo, and limit occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia.
• Percodan (Oxycodone and aspirin) -- Drug combination indicated for relief of moderately severe to severe pain.
• Ocular Lubricants -- These drugs promote hydration of cornea and conjunctivae.

Prognosis

• Complication occurrence is decreased by compliance in taking antiviral agents and corticosteroids.
• Abrupt cessation of topical steroids to the eye results in a higher frequency of severe ocular complications.
• The course of the disease may become chronic or relapsing.

Complementary - HolisticTreatment:  (not to be attempted without Allopathic Treatment for Zoster!)  

"CRITICAL" -  PRODUCTS ARE THOSE WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL TO GOOD RESULTS:

Critical: Capsaicin cream made from cayenne pepper has very powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the surface of the skin

Critical: L-Lysine is important for healing and for fighting the virus that causes shingles 1,500 mg to 3,000 mg per day.

Critical: Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids aids in fighting the shingles virus. 1,000mg - 3000 mg/day

Critical: Vitamin B Complex is needed for nerve health and to counteract deficiencies (at least 400 Mcg of Folic Acid should be included)

Critical: Zinc enhances immunity and protects against infection.

Critical: Garlic is excellent for building the immune system.

Critical: Alfalfa and Dandelion promote healing.

Critical: Astragalus Root and Echinacea boost immune function.

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"HELPFUL"  PRODUCTS - ARE THOSE WHICH USUALLY ENHANCE THERAPY

Helpful: Accupuncture  -- can be a significant help in alleviating symptoms if started when the skin lesions first erupt.

Helpful: Similasan Eye Drops - For is a homeopathic formula that soothes conjunctivitis that is mild or chronic.