Cutaneous Herpes Zoster

Cutaneous herpes zoster is a benign, localized painful skin lesion, more common in the elderly and immunocompromised population across the globe. It is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus lying dormant in the dorsal root ganglion. Although self-limiting in nature, it can cause protean complications in the vulnerable patient. The advent of antiviral therapy and an FDA-approved vaccine has reduced the morbidity of the disease considerably. However, focused research on the disease-modulating factors and prevention in the immunocompromised are still issues that warrant research. The current understanding of cutaneous herpes zoster and its pathogenesis, complications, and management are discussed in this review.