Yes, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and advice.
Herpes Zoster is a virus, it causes chickenpox and shingles . The symptoms
for chickenpox and shingles are a rash that turns into blisters
which turn into a dry scab. This can be seen all over the body
and can be itchy, irritating and painful. You will also feel
generally ill, with headaches and fever.

Herpes Zoster - Quick Facts

• You catch Herpes Zoster typically in childhood from another child
  who is about to have chickenpox
• This is the incubation period of
  the virus and it has no symptoms.
• The virus is very contagious as it spreads via the humidity in the air
• The incubation period lasts from 7 to 23 days
• When the symptoms are full blown, the virus isn't contagious anymore.
• Chickenpox is not usually treated as it will pass on its own.

>You may take painkillers, fever reducing
medicines and use a local anesthetic cream to ease the symptoms but
there is no cure for chickenpox. Most countries recommend a
vaccine for children, it will not eliminate the risk of a chickenpox
outbreak but it will lower it considerably. Chickenpox is not
usually a dangerous disease and rarely has any complications.

First Chickenpox - Then Shingles for 1 in 5 Adults

After chickenpox the virus remains latent and non-contagious. In
1 in 5 adults the virus will reactivate and cause shingles. Shingles
is usually seen in seniors and is not contagious. Shingles is
usually treated although it can't be cured as the immune defense system
in many seniors may have trouble fighting the disease without help.

You should take antiviral treatment available with a prescription from
your doctor. This is usually Valacyclovir, Acyclovir or Famciclovir and is prescribed in tablet form. Shingles sometimes results in Post-Herpetic
Neuralgia which means persistent pain in the affected area. Using
antiviral treatment as soon as there are symptoms of shingles will
reduce the risk of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia.

You should always SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you are showing symptoms for chickenpox
or shingles.

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• Should you see a Doctor for chickenpox?
• Should you see a Doctor for shingles?
• The chickenpox vaccine explained

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