Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is caused by the same virus responsible for chicken pox. After the initial exposure, herpes zoster lies dormant in certain nerve fibers. It may become active as a result of many factors such as: aging, stress, suppression of the immune system, and certain medications.
Because of the layout of the nerves that herpes zoster resides in, it only affects one side of the body or face during an outbreak. It begins as a rash that lead to blisters and sores on the skin. When the nerve branch that supplies the eye is involved, the forehead, nose, and eyelids may also be affected. Sores on the nose are a key signal of possible eye involvement.
Herpes zoster can cause several problems with the eye and surrounding skin that may have long term effects. Inflammation and scarring of the cornea, along with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva ) and iritis (inflammation of the iris) are typical problems that require treatment. In some cases, the retina and optic nerve are involved. Eye problems caused by severe or chronic outbreaks of herpes zoster may include: glaucoma, cataracts, double vision, and scarring of the cornea and eyelids.
Many who experience this infection find it extremely painful. This acutely painful phase usually lasts several weeks; however, some continue to experience pain or neuralgia long after the outbreak has cleared.There are different conditions that are caused by these herpes viruses. Some of the most common health conditions that are associated with herpes include chicken pox, shingles, cold sores around the mouth and genital herpes. The severity of each of these conditions could vary from one person to the other. The symptoms seen in each of the herpes condition are also varied in nature.


Symptoms for Herpes Genital Herpes Symptoms
• Pain and itchiness in the genital area
• Appearance of small red bumps or white blisters, which could rupture or turn into bleeding ulcers
• Formation of scabs on the affected area of the skin
• Sores that erupt mainly on the vaginal area, anus, cervix or buttock in women and in case of men, on the penis, buttocks, scrotum, anus and thighs
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Swollen nymph nodes in the groin area

Cold Sores Symptoms
• Blisters on the lips or around the mouth
• Difficulty in speaking, eating and swallowing because of the sores
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the throat and neck
• Drooling (in case of children)

It is more common for cold sores to appear on or around the lips, but in some cases, they can also be seen on the chin, nostrils and fingers. It is also likely for cold sores to appear on the inside of the mouth, mainly on the gums, the underside of the tongue, the inside of the cheek and the roof of the mouth. Chicken Pox Symptoms
• Presence of a red and itchy rash, which looks like insect bites, mainly on the back, chest, scalp and face
• Appearance of liquid-filled blisters, which may break open and then crust over
• Feeling of unease, irritability, restlessness, malaise and general discomfort
• Severe loss of appetite
• Fever
• Pain in the abdominal area
• Headaches, ranging from mild to severe
• Dry cough

Shingles Symptoms
• Itchiness
• Headaches
• Appearance of a reddish rash
• Chills and a fever
• Blisters that are filled with fluid, which may break open and crust over
• Fatigue
• Numbness, pain, tingling and burning
• General body ache
• The signs and symptoms of shingles usually affect only a small part of the skin on one side of the body.

Tips for Herpes
• Use an ice pack to help alleviate pain and swelling, and take a hot bath (with a pinch of baking soda) to help reduce itching.
• Keep the affected area dry and clean.
• Apply tea tree oil directly onto the sores several times a day.
• Avoid touching, rubbing or scratching the sores and wash your hands immediately after contact with them to prevent the infection spreading to other areas or other people.
• Boost the immune system with daily exercise, sufficient sleep and a healthy balanced diet.
• Reduce stress levels and take care of your emotional well-being. Consider counseling or stress management if you struggle to do this alone.
• Increase vitamin C intake during outbreaks.
• Consider taking supplements of the amino acid L-lysine, zinc, and garlic.
• Avoid spicy and acidic foods as well as foods high in salt when you have an outbreak.

Home remedies
• The effective remedy for herpes is rub ice on the herpes for a few minutes. It would provide instant healing effect.
• Take some baking powder and pat a cotton ball with it over the infected area. This would be beneficial in treating herpes.
• Add 25 grams each of dried mullein, mallow roots and marsh mallow roots in 3 liters of water,Simmer it for about 3 minutes. Filter the mixture and use on a compress day and might. This would reduce irritation and also prevent herpes.
• Take a tea bag and dip it in a cup of hot water. Apply this warm tea bag on the herpes for half an hour.
• App of multani mitti or samdal wood paste