Which skin condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can resurface later in life?

Which skin condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can resurface later in life?

• A. Warts
• B. Shingles
• C. Eczema
• D. Burns

Answer: (B)

Varicella-zoster virus can remain dormant in nerve tissue after a chickenpox infection and later reactivate as shingles, a painful, localized vesicular rash that follows a dermatomal path on the skin. This tendency to lie dormant and then reappear later in life is what makes shingles the correct choice. It’s also common in older adults or people with weakened immune systems, and can sometimes lead to lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia. The other options aren’t caused by this virus: warts come from human papillomavirus, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, and burns are injuries from heat or chemicals.