Oregon Esthetician State Board

What is a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus?

1. Herpes zoster

2. Scabies

3. Psoriasis

4. Eczema

The correct answer is: Herpes zoster

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is indeed a painful skin condition that arises from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an individual has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues. Years later, it can reactivate due to various triggers, such as stress, illness, or a weakened immune system, leading to the development of herpes zoster. This condition is characterized by a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face, along with other symptoms such as itching, burning, or numbness. The rash usually follows the path of nerves and can be quite painful, impacting the quality of life. In contrast, scabies is caused by an infestation of a mite, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell production, and eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Each of these conditions has different causes, symptoms, and treatments, differentiating them from herpes zoster.