Shingles is a viral disease caused by the same virus as chickenpox. In most cases, shingles does not cause complications, although the condition itself is painful and unpleasant. Two types of herpes zoster are dangerous: the eye and the auricular one. What is post-herpetic neuralgia? What are the symptoms of shingles? How should shingles be treated?

Shinglesis the disease that causes theHerpes virus varicellavirus, the same one that causes smallpoxwindy.Shinglescan occur in someone who had smallpox in childhood. This is because smallpox leaves a trail in the form of dormant viruses living in the ganglia. Under favorable circumstances, e.g. in states of weakened immunity, exhaustion, chronic stress or cancer, the viruses become active and cause shingles. On the other hand, people who have not had smallpox or have not vaccinated against it, when they come into contact with a person suffering from shingles, may develop smallpox.

Shingles: Symptoms

Initially, the symptoms of shingles resemble a cold. The patient is irritable, has muscle aches, fever, sore throat and headaches. Then there is the so-called neurological pain. It is a symptom of acute inflammation of the ganglia and irritation of the sensory nerves. It usually occurs on one side of the body or face, depending on which nerve is affected. Very often these are areas around the waist, back, abdomen and chest. Sometimes herpes zoster attacks the hands and even the face, e.g. the forehead.

It is dangerous to develop a rash around the eyes or ears.

Initially there is skin irritation and hypersensitivity, then there is constant, piercing pain. The next stage of the disease is the appearance of red spots on the skin which turn into vesicles filled with serum. After some time, they burst and form scabs, and then more bubbles form. The rash is around irritated nerves and is itchy, but you should not scratch it as it can leave unsightly scars. Pain in the area of ​​the affected nerves persists long after the bubbles have disappeared. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia.

Shingles: treatment

If, by some miracle, the doctor first diagnoses shinglesin the phase, that is, before the appearance of skin lesions, he can administer antiviral drugs that will stop the multiplication of viruses and alleviate the course of the disease. As a rule, however, the diagnosis of shingles is advanced. Then you can only alleviate the symptoms. First of all, it concerns pain and skin changes.

Pain can be relieved by taking over-the-counter painkillers. For rash, if there are blisters, some doctors recommend over-the-counter Pudroderm - a suspension with menthol and benzocaine, which have an analgesic effect and zinc oxide with astringent and disinfecting properties. Lubricate the blistering areas with this suspension several times a day. It is also a good idea to cover the affected areas with a dry, sterile gauze dressing. However, most infectious disease physicians advise against this medication, believing it may cause bacterial superinfections, and recommend a regular gentian instead. Until the bubbles disappear, stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat vegetables and fruit to provide your body with nutrients to support your immune system. It is also worth reaching for supplements with vitamin C and B.

Shingles - how to recognize? See [TOWIDEO]

Post-herpetic neuralgia

The disease lasts for 2-3 weeks. However, pain in the affected area may persist for several months, sometimes recurring periodically for several years. Some doctors recommend lubricating the affected areas with a small amount of steroid ointment before neuralgia occurs. If neuralgia occurs, it is soothed with gauze compresses soaked in cold water, e.g. with Avene thermal water spray, which has an exceptional soothing effect. It is also worth trying ice cubes massage. We wrap ice cubes in a cloth and hit them against the fragments of the skin where there were blisters. Massage relieves pain and soothes irritated nerve endings. Acute pain must be reported to the doctor, he will direct us to light or laser therapy.

Important

How to avoid infection with the herpes zoster virus?

VZV infection can be avoided. It is protected by the vaccine that is now given to infants. It should also be used by adults who have not had chickenpox, because it is difficult to go through in adulthood. Whoever had the common "windbreaker" may also have shingles. In contrast, people who have not been exposed to VZV develop the former, whether they have been in contact with herpes zoster or chickenpox. Shingles alone cannot be infected.

People over 50 can get vaccinated with the herpes zoster vaccine, which reduces themincidence of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia and worsening of herpes zoster symptoms, if they become infected.

Shingles: Causes and Symptoms

Shingles is a viral disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. Shingles is most common in adulthood, but it is also sporadic in children. What are the symptoms of shingles, who is susceptible to shingles, and what causes the activation of the virus?

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Infectious diseases