The dermatome also is affected by the shingles (varicella zoster) virus and, in some cases, the shingles vaccine. Dermatomes are divided into groups based on where in the spine they originate ...

VZV reactivation from the geniculate (seventh cranial nerve) ganglion can cause the Ramsay Hunt syndrome, features of which include peripheral facial weakness and rash around the ear (zoster oticus).

Zoster begins and usually remains confined to a single dermatome or possibly two, although subsequent dissemination may occur. The differentiation between primary varicella and reactivation ...