Who Gets Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO)
Article by Dan Wolfe
Herpes zoster (HZ) or shingles is an infection brought about by the exact same virus that causes chickenpox, usually transmitted during the childhood years. It takes several years or decades for herpes zoster to occur and the risk of having it becomes much higher as we grow older. Although initial infection to chickenpox is a precursor to herpes zoster development, there are some individuals that don’t develop the symptoms of shingles throughout their entire life.
Becoming Infected
After the individual becomes affected with Varicella zoster virus (causative agent for chickenpox) some of the viral particles will reside at the dorsal roots along the spinal nerves. Viral particles lay dormant in the dorsal roots for several years or decades and can only become activated as the immune system becomes weaker, which happens as we age. When it comes to a point that the dormant virus actually becomes re-activated, the virus travels along the nerves until it reaches the dermatomes.
The Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms then start appearing in certain regions of the skin being catered to by the infected dermatome. In some cases, the virus may reside in the trigeminal nerve. Manifestations appear around or within the eye as they become re-activated – brought about by extreme stress, fatigue, immunosuppressive drugs, aging and many other factors. When the eye and its surrounding structures become affected, the condition is now termed as herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in the USA
In the United States, around 90% of adults have proof of infection of VZV in their blood serum and therefore are already at risk for herpes zoster development. Research has found out that an essential risk factor for developing herpes zoster is the deteriorating cell-mediated immune system responsible for suppressing viral infections and is related to the normal aging process. As mentioned earlier another key risk factor for shingles is through an acquired inhibition of cell-mediated immune response.
This happens in people who already have the VZV and are taking immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids and anti-cancer medications. Individuals who are, unfortunately, infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can also have a suppressed immune system and will further increase their risk to have co-morbid infections such as that of shingles.
Who are at Risk?
The question now is among those who have or at risk of having herpes zoster, who gets herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO)? United States statistics show that HZO presents approximately 10 to 25% of all cases of herpes zoster. Apparently, risk of developing eye complications related to herpes zoster does not seem to be related with age, gender, or the degree of skin involvement with rashes. Race does not seem to play a role either with HZO development. A single study, however, has presented that there is a significantly higher occurrence of HZO in women compared to men. As earlier mentioned, the development of herpes zoster (HZ) drastically increases as we grow older and so does HZO.
About the Pain
Patients who have HZO may experience mild to severe pain depending on the structures involved. The pain should go away as the rashes start to disappear. Recovery from HZO is expected in a couple of weeks with uncomplicated HZO but its severity and duration may take longer in older and more ill patients.
Person to Person Transmission
Another question that might be asked regarding HZO is if it can be transmitted to other people. If the individual has HZO, the virus (VZV or Varicella zoster virus) can be communicated to other people who haven’t had a previous infection of chickenpox. It is important to remind the infected individual to avoid coming in contact with people who have never had chickenpox and especially pregnant women, because of the harmful, teratogenic effects toward the unborn fetus. People who are immune-suppressed such as HIV patients or those who are on chemotherapy or radiotherapy for treatment of cancer should also be avoided. If the patient lives with children who have not have chickenpox, it is important to consult the doctor about the matter so that non-infected children can be vaccinated right away.
There is so much to be learned about herpes zoster and its variant, herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). Aside from the onset of the Hutchinson sign (characteristic rashes found in the nose), there is no way to determine the onset of HZO before the symptoms appear. It is important to be aware of the symptoms related to herpes zoster and consult a physician whenever signs appear. HZO can be serious and it will ultimately affect vision if no immediate medical intervention is done to prevent it.
About the Author
Dan has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. He also writes about diet & nutrition. Come visit his latest website on lavender flower which gives people information on lavender flower uses
