Final answer:
Herpes zoster is another name for shingles, a condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.
Step-by-step explanation:
Herpes Zoster: Another Name for Shingles
Herpes zoster is another name for a condition commonly known as shingles. Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the herpesvirus family. After an individual has recovered from chickenpox, usually during childhood, the virus can enter a dormant state in the nerve cells. Decades later, it can be reactivated and cause shingles, leading to painful skin rashes and blisters. The condition typically presents with a painful rash on the trunk or face, and it can last for 2-6 weeks or longer if complications arise, such as postherpetic neuralgia. Additionally, individuals with shingles can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to others who haven't had chickenpox, resulting in the latter developing chickenpox, not shingles.