Zoster

Definition

Herpes zoster results from reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus in individuals who have had chickenpox in the past. It is normally confined to a single dermatome and is transmitted from dorsal root ganglia, in which the virus can remain dormant for many years before becoming active. The virus migrates to the skin or mucous membranes via the sensory nerves which supply that dermatome, causing a painful vesicular eruption confined to the affected dermatome(s). Its precise clinical presentation depends upon which dermatome is affected and whether or not it causes significant damage to the eye or nervous system.

8 subordinate codes

• 1E91.0Zoster without complications
• 1E91.1Ophthalmic zoster
• 1E91.2Disseminated zoster
• 1E91.3Zoster with central nervous system involvement
• 1E91.4Acute neuropathy of cranial nerve due to zoster
• 1E91.5Postherpetic polyneuropathy
• 4B4YOther specified diseases of the immune system
• 4B4ZDiseases of the immune system, unspecified

Nearby in Varicella zoster virus infections

• 1E90Varicella