Herpes zoster: complications pathogenesis and pathology. The specialist view

The term herpes zoster is derived from the Greek herpes: to creep and zoster: a belt or girdle. Shingles is from the Latin cingere: to gird, which was corrupted to mean a belt of girdle for the human form. A typical attack of herpes zoster is usually not difficult to recognise, but it is important to be aware of uncommon manifestations and complications.