Shingles

Shingles

Shingles is an acute viral disease that causes pain and skin rashes. The disease occurs more often in autumn and winter, usually in adults.

Causes of herpes zoster:

1. taking drugs that reduce immunity,
2. chronic stress and fatigue,
3. oncological diseases,
4. consequences of radiation therapy,
5. the occurrence of AIDS in an HIV-infected person,
6. organ and bone marrow transplantation.

The disease is caused by the herpes virus, which also causes chickenpox. An adult who had chickenpox as a child can become infected with the virus again from children. After chickenpox, the virus remains in the nerve ganglia. Due to a cold, injury, stress, or decreased immunity, the virus re-enters the bloodstream and affects the skin and nervous system.

The first sign of the disease may be: isolated pain, a feeling of numbness in a certain area of ​​the body, shooting pain in the torso or leg. A sudden burning sensation and/or itching occurs in a certain area of ​​the skin. A light touch forces the patient to look for a position in which pain will be minimal. Even after recovery, pain can persist from several months to several years.

14 days after the first signs of the disease appear, a rash is detected. As a rule, lesions are located in the chest and ribs. By day 3-4, blisters of various sizes form in the area of ​​the rash. As the week progresses, the number of bubbles increases. Subsequently, the liquid contained in them becomes cloudy. Then the bubbles dry out, are drawn inward and become crusty. When they dry out, they form plaques protruding above the skin. A lighter colored area of ​​skin or scar remains at the site of the lesion.

The severity of pain varies from person to person. Some people experience a burning sensation that turns into itching during the healing period, as often happens with chickenpox. Others experience such unbearable pain that they cannot even perform daily tasks.

The diagnosis is made by a dermatologist based on the patient’s complaints and examination. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a blood test to detect the virus. In people with weakened immune systems, the rash may be purulent and spread over a large area. Such patients, as well as patients with eye damage, which is manifested by the appearance of a rash on the tip of the nose, must be referred for hospitalization. Without treatment, they can develop serious complications.

Treatment of shingles should be under the supervision of a physician. The doctor prescribes medication and physiotherapeutic treatment. It is also important to protect the affected areas from suppuration. The course of the disease is long, sometimes up to 4-5 weeks. If pain persists after the disappearance of skin manifestations, it is necessary to see a doctor for physiotherapeutic treatment.

During illness, it is recommended to limit water procedures as much as possible. To avoid the spread of infection, patients should be isolated, especially from children. In children, the virus enters the bloodstream and causes chickenpox. A child who has been in contact with a sick person is quarantined for 21 days.