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Herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Source: NIAID. Available online: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). Herpes zoster is commonly called shingles. If shingles affects a certain nerve (trigeminal nerve) in the head, it causes itching, tingling, and a rash on the forehead, cheek, nose, and around one eye. It potentially threatens eyesight.

Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated March 9, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 09, 2009
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