Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. Once contracted, the virus remains dormant in the body for the rest of one’s life. Herpes zoster causes an eruption of small blisters that typically appear on only one side of the body, following the path of a nerve. The eruption occurs gradually and takes 2 to 4 days to fully establish. The blisters dry up, form crusts, and the condition heals within up to 4 weeks.
Herpes zoster is more common in individuals over the age of 50 and in adults with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Herpes Zoster
When a person is affected by herpes zoster, the first signs that may appear are skin rashes, usually accompanied by a tingling sensation. These rashes can manifest as small blisters or red lesions, which may cause itching or discomfort.
In addition to the skin rashes, it is common for the person to experience pain in the affected area. This pain can vary in intensity and be described as sharp stabs or an acute sensation similar to an electric shock. The pain can be constant or intermittent, affecting the patient’s quality of life.
In addition to pain and skin rashes, herpes zoster may be associated with other symptoms. Some individuals may experience headaches, a general feeling of malaise, low-grade fever, or fatigue.
It is important to note that the skin rashes caused by herpes zoster may take weeks to completely disappear. During this period, the lesions go through different stages, from the appearance of blisters to the formation of crusts that gradually detach.
It is worth mentioning that some individuals may experience prolonged pain even after the skin rashes have healed. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia and can persist for months or even years, affecting quality of life and requiring specific treatment.
In rarer cases, herpes zoster can lead to complications such as secondary skin infections, eye problems, involvement of the nervous system, or even internal organ involvement. Therefore, it is crucial to seek a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Herpes Zoster Causes
Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus responsible for chickenpox (varicella). After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus is not eliminated from the body but remains in a dormant state in the nerve ganglia near the spinal cord.
Under certain circumstances, the virus can reactivate and cause herpes zoster. The main causes and risk factors associated with the development of herpes zoster include:
Weakened immune system
A weakened immune system due to conditions such as aging, chronic illnesses, stress, use of immunosuppressive medications, or HIV infection increases the risk of VZV reactivation.
Advanced age
The risk of developing herpes zoster significantly increases with age, likely due to a decline in immunity over time.
History of chickenpox
A person needs to have had a previous chickenpox infection to develop herpes zoster, as the varicella-zoster virus remains in the body after recovering from chickenpox.
Stress
Intense physical or emotional stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of virus reactivation.
Trauma or injury
Nerve injuries or trauma near the ganglia can trigger virus reactivation and the development of herpes zoster in some individuals.
It is important to note that herpes zoster is not as contagious as chickenpox. However, an infected person can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to others who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it, which can lead to the development of chickenpox, not herpes zoster.
Herpes Zoster Treatment
The treatment of herpes zoster aims to relieve symptoms, accelerate lesion healing, and reduce the occurrence of complications. The main types of treatment for herpes zoster include:
Antivirals
Antiviral medications are often prescribed to combat the replication of the varicella-zoster virus. These medications are most effective when initiated within the first 72 hours after the appearance of the skin rash. They help reduce the duration of the disease, alleviate pain, and prevent complications.
Analgesics
Pain is a common symptom of herpes zoster, and analgesics can be used to alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and aspirin can be helpful in relieving mild to moderate pain. For more intense pain, stronger analgesics like opioids may be prescribed.
Topical medications
Antiviral creams or ointments, such as topical acyclovir, can be applied directly to the skin lesions to help accelerate healing and reduce pain.
Medications for postherpetic neuralgia
If pain persists after the resolution of the lesions, specific medications may be prescribed to treat postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of herpes zoster. These medications may include tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or specific analgesics for neuropathic pain.
Seek to consume healthy foods or even natural supplements rich in nutritious nutrients to keep your body’s immunity always strengthened.
In addition to medication treatment, additional measures may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery, such as rest, application of cold compresses to the lesions, keeping the affected area clean, and avoiding scratching the blisters.
It is important to consult a doctor as soon as symptoms of herpes zoster appear to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive specific guidance on the most appropriate treatment for your case.
