Herpes oticus, also known as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (Type II), is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox (varicella-zoster) virus, leading to inflammation of the facial nerve near the ear, resulting in severe ear pain, a painful rash with blisters (vesicles) around the ear, and often one-sided facial paralysis. Treatment typically involves antiviral medications (like acyclovir, valacyclovir) and corticosteroids (prednisone) to reduce inflammation, aiming to speed recovery and minimize long-term complications like hearing loss or facial weakness.
