Manifestation of Zoster in the Oral Cavity

Zoster (shingles) is assumed to affect 10-20% of the individuals who have been exposed to the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It is expected to develop among the elderly, usually on the background of a weakened immune system. In those cases that the trigeminal branches are involved by zoster, unilateral mucosal and cutaneous vesiculo-ulcerative lesions will develop. Intense pain usually precedes the overt lesions of zoster, which sometimes might mimic acute pain of dental origin. Careful anamnesis and thorough clinical examination should lead to a correct diagnosis. Since zoster, in general, is associated with serious morbidity, including post-herpetic neuralgia, ocular damage and hearing deficits, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommend shingles vaccination, especially for those who are > 60-year old.