They will then start to dry and disappear. The pain will stop at this point but post-herpetic neuralgia may present even after the rash has healed. For fifty percent of the people it is resolved in 2 months, but about twenty to thirty percent will suffer up to one year. Herpes zoster opthalmicus involves the ophthalmic region of the trigeminal nerve affecting the cornea. This rash also affects the nasociliary nerve causing blisters on the side and tip of the nose, known as Hutchinson's Sign.
Sacral zoster can cause urinary retention or hesitancy, constipation or diarrhea.
Involvement of facial and auditory nerves leads to inflammation of the geniculate ganglion, causing Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. Involvement of the external ear, or the tympanic membrane can cause some of the following symptoms, tinnitus, deafness, vertigo, facial paralysis, nystagmus, nausea and vomiting. Systemic complications can also occur affecting the internal organs, but usually occurs only in the immunosuppressed individuals. Visceral complications include pneumonitis, hepatitis, esophagitis, pericarditis, cystitis and arthritis. Antiviral drugs are used as soon as possible to help treat the symptoms of zoster and decrease the risk of posttherpetic neuralgia.