Herpes zoster: Symptoms and transmission

Table of Contents What is shingles? Symptoms of herpes zoster Causes of shingles Transmission of herpes zoster Possible complications Treatment for shingles How long does shingles last?

What is shingles?

Ο herpes zoster also known as herpes zoster is a viral infection which causes painful rashes. It can appear anywhere on the body and usually looks like a line of blisters that appear around your torso.

If you have passed chicken pox, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Years later, the virus can reactivate as shingles.

Shingles is not life threatening. But it can cause quite a bit of pain. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent serious complications. In order to treat it correctly, it is important to recognize the symptoms.

Symptoms of herpes zoster

The symptoms of shingles they usually only affect a small part on one side of your body. These symptoms may include:

• Pain in the area
• Fever
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Motion sickness
• Burning or tingling
• Itching
• Fatigue
• Photosensitivity
• Fluid-filled blisters that rupture, open and crust over

Pain is often the first sign of illness shingles. Might be too strong for some. Depending on where the pain is, one may mistakenly think they have a problem with the heart, lungs, or kidneys. There are cases when some people feel the pain of herpes but never see the rash.

The herpes rash usually appears as a series of bubbles on one side of the body, around the torso, eye, neck or face.

When should I see the doctor?

If you think you have shingles, talk to a doctor quickly, especially if:

• The rash is very spread and painful.
• You are 50 years or more, as the risk of complications is greater.
• You have pain or rash near the eye, because it can cause permanent damage.
• You have weak immune, due to cancer, drugs or other illness.

Causes of shingles

Ο herpes zoster occurs when the virus that causes it chicken pox, known as the varicella-zoster virus, reactivate inside the body. This virus, after causing chickenpox, hides inactive in nerve cells and can wake up years later, causing herpes zoster. The exact cause of reactivation is not fully understood, but it is associated with reduced immunity, especially in elderly or people with a weakened immune system. Although herpes zoster belongs to the group of herpes viruses, it is different from the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes, which are sexually transmitted.

Transmission of herpes zoster

People who have not been exposed to chicken pox virus through disease or vaccination, they can contract VZV (herpes zoster virus) if they come into contact with herpes zoster. Transmission is through contact with the blister fluid of herpes or breathing virus particles. They will develop chicken pox, not shingles, but may get shingles later. Chickenpox is more easily spread than shingles.

To limit the transmission of shingles:

• Cover the rash area.
• Avoid touching or scratching the area.
• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.

It is also important to avoid contact with vulnerable groups until the rash disappears, such as:

• Pregnant women who have not been vaccinated against chicken pox.
• Premature newborns.
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those taking immunosuppressants, being treated for cancer or having HIV

Risk factors

Ο herpes zoster is a condition that can occur in anyone who has previously suffered from chicken pox, due to the reactivation of the measles virus (Varicella Zoster). The major risk factors include:

• Age 50 and over
• Weakened immune system
• Stress and anxiety
• Serious bodily injury
• Long-term use of steroids or other drugs
• People who have not been vaccinated for chicken pox or shingles

Although these are the main risk factors, some people who develop shingles may not fit into any of these categories, suggesting that there are other factors that may be at play.

Possible complications

Ο herpes zoster can lead to various complications:

• Vision loss: If it gets around or in the eye, it can cause eye infections that can lead to vision loss.
• Postherpetic neuralgia: Pain may continue long after the blisters disappear, due to damaged nerve fibers sending confused pain messages to the brain.
• Skin infections: If blisters are not treated properly, they can lead to bacterial skin infections.
• Neurological problems: May cause encephalitis, hearing problems, facial paralysis
• Scarring or changes in skin color after the rash has healed
• Muscular weakness

Treatment for shingles

Η treatment for shingles, depends on the severity of the symptoms and the risk of complications.

A slight rash may not need treatment. Antibiotics may be prescribed if:

• The immune system It does not work properly.
• Ο pain or rash is moderate to severe.
• The skin rash it affects areas outside of it chest, abdomen and back.

It is best to start treatment within 3 days of the appearance of the rash. Treatment may also include medications to relieve pain, such as pain relievers, steroids, or nerve pain medications. Finally, cool compresses are also important for relieving symptoms.

Natural remedies

If you have shingles, there are some things you can do on your own to relieve symptoms.

• Keep the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection
• Wear it Loose clothes
• Use one cool compress a few times a day

What not to do:

• Do not allow bandages or plasters to stick to the rash
• Do not wear clothes with hard fabric that can irritate your skin

How long does shingles last?

Η duration of shingles can reach up to 4 weeks for complete healing of the rash. Additionally, the area may remain painful for weeks even after the rash has faded, although there is usually improvement over time.

Find on wecare.gr suitable products to treat the symptoms of herpes zoster.

Sources:

1) Shingles - Symptoms & causes
2) Shingles: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
3) Shingles: What You Should Know
4) Who can get shingles?
5) 5 Things You Need to Know About Shingles