Esthetician Student State Board Practice Exam 2026 - Free Esthetician License Practice Questions and Study Guide

The medical term for Shingles is Herpes Zoster. This term refers specifically to the viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in the nerve tissues and later reactivate, leading to Shingles.

This condition is characterized by a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning sensation, or numbness. The use of the term "Zoster" is crucial here, as it specifically denotes the condition that arises from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, distinguishing it from other herpes-related viruses and infections.

Other choices refer to different types of herpes viruses or conditions. Herpes Simplex typically refers to the viruses that cause oral and genital herpes, while Herpes Virus Type 2 specifically denotes the strain primarily associated with genital herpes. The term "Herpes Symplexus" appears to be a misspelling and does not correspond to a recognized medical term. Understanding the precise nomenclature is essential when discussing viral infections in a clinical or educational context.