What are the symptoms of shingles. How is shingles caused. When should you see a doctor for shingles. Is shingles contagious. What factors increase the risk of developing shingles.

Understanding Shingles: A Painful Viral Infection

Shingles is a viral infection characterized by a painful rash that typically appears as a stripe of blisters wrapping around one side of the torso. This condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later, leading to shingles.

While shingles is not life-threatening, it can be extremely painful and may lead to complications if left untreated. Early intervention can help shorten the duration of the infection and reduce the risk of complications, making it crucial to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles typically affects a small section on one side of the body and presents with a variety of symptoms. These may include:

• Pain, burning, or tingling sensation
• Sensitivity to touch
• A red rash that appears a few days after the initial pain
• Fluid-filled blisters that eventually break open and crust over
• Itching

Some individuals may also experience additional symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Fatigue

It’s important to note that pain is usually the first symptom of shingles and can be quite intense. In some cases, people may experience shingles pain without developing a rash.

Is shingles always visible on the skin?

While the characteristic rash is a common symptom of shingles, it’s not always present. Some individuals may experience what’s known as “zoster sine herpete,” where they have the pain associated with shingles but no visible rash. This can make diagnosis more challenging and may require additional tests to confirm the presence of the virus.

The Causes Behind Shingles Outbreaks

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the nervous system after a person recovers from chickenpox. While the exact reason for this reactivation is not always clear, several factors may contribute to the development of shingles:

1. Age: As people get older, their immunity to infections may decrease, making them more susceptible to shingles.
2. Weakened immune system: Conditions that compromise the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, can increase the risk of shingles.
3. Stress: Periods of high stress may trigger a shingles outbreak in some individuals.
4. Certain medications: Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as those used in cancer treatments or to prevent organ rejection, may increase the risk of shingles.

Can you get shingles more than once?

While it’s possible to develop shingles multiple times, it’s relatively uncommon. Most people who experience shingles will only have one outbreak in their lifetime. However, individuals with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk for recurrent shingles episodes.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Shingles

If you suspect you have shingles, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak, as well as lower the risk of complications. You should seek immediate medical attention in the following situations:

• The pain and rash occur near an eye, as untreated shingles in this area can lead to permanent eye damage
• You’re 50 years of age or older, as the risk of complications increases with age
• You or a family member have a weakened immune system due to conditions like cancer, chronic illness, or certain medications
• The rash is widespread and particularly painful

How quickly should you start treatment for shingles?

For optimal results, antiviral treatment for shingles should be started within 72 hours of the rash’s appearance. This timeframe is crucial for reducing the severity of symptoms and minimizing the risk of complications. Even if you’ve passed this window, it’s still beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider, as they may recommend treatments to manage pain and prevent further complications.

The Contagious Nature of Shingles

While shingles itself isn’t contagious, the varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted to individuals who haven’t had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. This transmission typically occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. If infected, these individuals will develop chickenpox rather than shingles.

It’s important to note that chickenpox can be dangerous for certain groups of people, including:

• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant women
• Newborns

To prevent transmission, individuals with shingles should avoid physical contact with people who haven’t had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it until their blisters have crusted over.

How long does the contagious period last for shingles?

The contagious period for shingles typically lasts until all the blisters have crusted over. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days from the onset of the rash. During this time, it’s crucial to keep the rash covered and avoid direct contact with individuals who may be susceptible to the virus.

Risk Factors for Developing Shingles

While anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, certain factors may increase the risk:

1. Age: The risk of shingles increases with age, particularly after 50 years old.
2. Weakened immune system: Conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and autoimmune diseases can increase susceptibility to shingles.
3. Cancer treatments: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can lower resistance to diseases, potentially triggering shingles.
4. Certain medications: Drugs that prevent organ rejection or treat autoimmune conditions may increase the risk of shingles.
5. Stress: Prolonged periods of stress can weaken the immune system, making shingles more likely.

Does having a family history of shingles increase your risk?

While there isn’t strong evidence to suggest that shingles is hereditary, some studies have indicated that individuals with a family history of shingles may have a slightly higher risk of developing the condition. However, this increased risk is likely due to shared environmental factors or similar genetic susceptibilities to viral reactivation rather than direct inheritance of the condition.

Preventing Shingles: Vaccination and Lifestyle Factors

While it’s not always possible to prevent shingles, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Vaccination: The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is recommended for adults 50 years and older, even if they’ve previously had shingles or received the older shingles vaccine.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, so finding effective stress management techniques may help reduce your risk.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help support a strong immune system.
• Avoid triggers: If you’ve had shingles before, be aware of potential triggers such as excessive sun exposure or certain medications that may increase your risk of recurrence.

How effective is the shingles vaccine?

The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is highly effective in preventing shingles. Studies have shown that it reduces the risk of developing shingles by more than 90% in adults 50 years and older. The vaccine’s effectiveness remains high (about 85%) even in adults 70 years and older, who are at the highest risk for shingles and its complications.

Complications Associated with Shingles

While many people recover from shingles without long-term effects, some may experience complications. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition characterized by persistent pain in the affected area long after the rash has cleared. Other potential complications include:

• Vision loss: If shingles affects the eye, it can lead to temporary or permanent vision problems.
• Skin infections: Bacterial infections can occur if the rash is not properly cared for.
• Neurological problems: In rare cases, shingles can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or other neurological issues.
• Hearing or balance problems: If shingles affects the nerves near the ear, it can cause hearing loss or balance difficulties.

How long can postherpetic neuralgia last?

The duration of postherpetic neuralgia can vary greatly between individuals. For some, the pain may last only a few weeks or months. However, in more severe cases, it can persist for years. The risk of developing PHN increases with age, with older adults being more likely to experience this complication. Early treatment of shingles with antiviral medications may help reduce the risk and severity of PHN.

Understanding shingles, its symptoms, and potential complications is crucial for early detection and treatment. By recognizing the signs of shingles and seeking prompt medical attention, individuals can minimize the impact of this painful condition and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Additionally, preventive measures such as vaccination and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in reducing the likelihood of developing shingles, particularly for those at higher risk.

Shingles – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Shingles can occur anywhere on your body. It typically looks like a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left side or the right side of your torso.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Shingles isn’t life-threatening. But it can be very painful. Vaccines can help lower the risk of shingles. Early treatment may shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia. This is a painful condition that causes shingles pain for a long time after your blisters have cleared.

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Symptoms

Shingles symptoms usually affect only a small section on one side of your body. These symptoms may include:

• Pain, burning or tingling
• Sensitivity to touch
• A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itching

Some people also experience:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Fatigue

Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. For some people, the pain can be intense. Depending on the location of the pain, it can sometimes be mistaken for problems with the heart, lungs or kidneys. Some people experience shingles pain without ever developing the rash.

Most commonly, the shingles rash develops as a stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of the torso. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face.

Shingles

Shingles is characterized by pain or a tingling sensation in a limited area on one side of the face or torso, followed by a red rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.

When to see a doctor

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if you suspect shingles, especially in the following situations:

• The pain and rash occur near an eye. If left untreated, this infection may lead to permanent eye damage.
• You’re 50 or older. Age increases your risk of complications.
• You or someone in your family has a weakened immune system. This may be due to cancer, medications or chronic illness.
• The rash is widespread and painful.

Causes

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who’s had chickenpox may develop shingles. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus enters your nervous system and stays inactive for years.

Sometimes the virus reactivates and travels along nerve pathways to your skin — producing shingles. But not everyone who’s had chickenpox will develop shingles.

The reason for shingles is unclear. It may be due to lowered immunity to infections as people get older. Shingles is more common in older adults and in people who have weakened immune systems.

Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses. This is the same group that includes the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes. As a result, shingles is also known as herpes zoster. But the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles isn’t the same virus that causes cold sores or genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted infection.

Shingles affects the nerves

The shingles rash is associated with an inflammation of nerves beneath the skin.

Are you contagious?

A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who isn’t immune to chickenpox. This usually occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, though, the person will develop chickenpox rather than shingles.

Chickenpox can be dangerous for some people. Until your shingles blisters scab over, you are contagious. Avoid physical contact with anyone who hasn’t yet had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. That includes people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.

Risk factors

Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can develop shingles. Most adults in the United States had chickenpox when they were children. That was before the availability of the routine childhood vaccination that now protects against chickenpox.

Factors that may increase your risk of developing shingles include:

• Age. The risk of developing shingles increases with age. Shingles typically occurs in people older than 50. And people over the age of 60 are more likely to experience more-severe complications.
• Some diseases. Diseases that weaken your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can increase your risk of shingles.
• Cancer treatments. Radiation or chemotherapy can lower your resistance to diseases and may trigger shingles.
• Some medications. Drugs that prevent rejection of transplanted organs can increase your risk of shingles. Long-term use of steroids, such as prednisone, may also increase your risk of developing shingles.

Complications

Complications from shingles can include:

• Postherpetic neuralgia. For some people, shingles pain continues long after the blisters have cleared. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia. It occurs when damaged nerve fibers send confused and exaggerated messages of pain from your skin to your brain.
• Vision loss. Shingles in or around an eye (ophthalmic shingles) can cause painful eye infections that may result in vision loss.
• Neurological problems. Shingles may cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or problems with hearing or balance.
• Skin infections. If shingles blisters aren’t properly treated, bacterial skin infections may develop.

Prevention

A shingles vaccine may help prevent shingles. People who are eligible should get the Shingrix vaccine, which has been available in the United States since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017. The Zostavax vaccine is no longer available in the U.S., but other countries may still use it.

Shingrix is approved and recommended for people age 50 and older, whether they’ve had shingles or not. People who’ve had the Zostavax vaccine in the past or don’t know whether they’ve had chickenpox may also receive the Shingrix vaccine.

Shingrix is also recommended for people who are 19 years of age and older who have weakened immune systems due to disease or medication.

Shingrix is a nonliving vaccine made of a virus component. It’s given in two doses, with 2 to 6 months between doses. The most common side effects of the shingles vaccine are redness, pain and swelling at the injection site. Some people also experience fatigue, headache and other side effects.

The shingles vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get shingles. But this vaccine will likely reduce the course and severity of the disease. And it will likely lower your risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Studies suggest that Shingrix offers protection against shingles for more than five years.

Talk to your health care provider about your vaccination options if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to any component of the shingles vaccine
• Have a weakened immune system due to a condition or medication
• Have had a stem cell transplant
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

The shingles vaccine is used only as a way to prevent shingles. It’s not intended to treat people who currently have the disease.

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Shingles – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Shingles can occur anywhere on your body. It typically looks like a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left side or the right side of your torso.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Shingles isn’t life-threatening. But it can be very painful. Vaccines can help lower the risk of shingles. Early treatment may shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia. This is a painful condition that causes shingles pain for a long time after your blisters have cleared.

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Symptoms

Shingles symptoms usually affect only a small section on one side of your body. These symptoms may include:

• Pain, burning or tingling
• Sensitivity to touch
• A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itching

Some people also experience:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Fatigue

Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. For some people, the pain can be intense. Depending on the location of the pain, it can sometimes be mistaken for problems with the heart, lungs or kidneys. Some people experience shingles pain without ever developing the rash.

Most commonly, the shingles rash develops as a stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of the torso. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face.

Shingles

Shingles is characterized by pain or a tingling sensation in a limited area on one side of the face or torso, followed by a red rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.

When to see a doctor

Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if you suspect shingles, especially in the following situations:

• The pain and rash occur near an eye. If left untreated, this infection may lead to permanent eye damage.
• You’re 50 or older. Age increases your risk of complications.
• You or someone in your family has a weakened immune system. This may be due to cancer, medications or chronic illness.
• The rash is widespread and painful.

Causes

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who’s had chickenpox may develop shingles. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus enters your nervous system and stays inactive for years.

Sometimes the virus reactivates and travels along nerve pathways to your skin — producing shingles. But not everyone who’s had chickenpox will develop shingles.

The reason for shingles is unclear. It may be due to lowered immunity to infections as people get older. Shingles is more common in older adults and in people who have weakened immune systems.

Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses. This is the same group that includes the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes. As a result, shingles is also known as herpes zoster. But the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles isn’t the same virus that causes cold sores or genital herpes, which is a sexually transmitted infection.

Shingles affects the nerves

The shingles rash is associated with an inflammation of nerves beneath the skin.

Are you contagious?

A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who isn’t immune to chickenpox. This usually occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, though, the person will develop chickenpox rather than shingles.

Chickenpox can be dangerous for some people. Until your shingles blisters scab over, you are contagious. Avoid physical contact with anyone who hasn’t yet had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. That includes people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.

Risk factors

Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can develop shingles. Most adults in the United States had chickenpox when they were children. That was before the availability of the routine childhood vaccination that now protects against chickenpox.

Factors that may increase your risk of developing shingles include:

• Age. The risk of developing shingles increases with age. Shingles typically occurs in people older than 50. And people over the age of 60 are more likely to experience more-severe complications.
• Some diseases. Diseases that weaken your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can increase your risk of shingles.
• Cancer treatments. Radiation or chemotherapy can lower your resistance to diseases and may trigger shingles.
• Some medications. Drugs that prevent rejection of transplanted organs can increase your risk of shingles. Long-term use of steroids, such as prednisone, may also increase your risk of developing shingles.

Complications

Complications from shingles can include:

• Postherpetic neuralgia. For some people, shingles pain continues long after the blisters have cleared. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia. It occurs when damaged nerve fibers send confused and exaggerated messages of pain from your skin to your brain.
• Vision loss. Shingles in or around an eye (ophthalmic shingles) can cause painful eye infections that may result in vision loss.
• Neurological problems. Shingles may cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or problems with hearing or balance.
• Skin infections. If shingles blisters aren’t properly treated, bacterial skin infections may develop.

Prevention

A shingles vaccine may help prevent shingles. People who are eligible should get the Shingrix vaccine, which has been available in the United States since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017. The Zostavax vaccine is no longer available in the U.S., but other countries may still use it.

Shingrix is approved and recommended for people age 50 and older, whether they’ve had shingles or not. People who’ve had the Zostavax vaccine in the past or don’t know whether they’ve had chickenpox may also receive the Shingrix vaccine.

Shingrix is also recommended for people who are 19 years of age and older who have weakened immune systems due to disease or medication.

Shingrix is a nonliving vaccine made of a virus component. It’s given in two doses, with 2 to 6 months between doses. The most common side effects of the shingles vaccine are redness, pain and swelling at the injection site. Some people also experience fatigue, headache and other side effects.

The shingles vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get shingles. But this vaccine will likely reduce the course and severity of the disease. And it will likely lower your risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Studies suggest that Shingrix offers protection against shingles for more than five years.

Talk to your health care provider about your vaccination options if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to any component of the shingles vaccine
• Have a weakened immune system due to a condition or medication
• Have had a stem cell transplant
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

The shingles vaccine is used only as a way to prevent shingles. It’s not intended to treat people who currently have the disease.

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Shingles (Herpes zoster) – treatment in adults and children, symptoms, is it contagious, prevention, which doctor treats

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Shingles (Herpes zoster): causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Herpes zoster is an infectious disease whose causative agent (herpesvirus type 3) also causes chicken pox.

Since the virus, penetrating into sensitive nerve endings, is integrated into the genetic apparatus of nerve cells, it is impossible to remove it from the body. In those who have had chickenpox, the virus goes into a latent (inactive) state.

When the immune system is weakened, the virus is activated, affecting the skin. The disease often develops in the elderly and in immunocompromised individuals.

Causes of disease

The virus is transmitted from a patient with chicken pox or herpes zoster by contact or airborne droplets. The person who becomes infected primarily (most often a child) gets chickenpox. Penetrating through the mucous membranes into the blood and lymph, the virus reaches the nerve cells, where it begins to multiply. After recovery, the virus remains in the body for life, often being in an inactive state. The awakening of the infection is associated with weakened immunity caused by hypothermia, long-term use of steroid hormones, immunosuppression (after transplantation), chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as a general decrease in immunity in patients with blood diseases, oncological and viral diseases. Shingles is very severe in HIV-infected patients.

Classification of herpes zoster

The clinical picture of herpes zoster consists of skin manifestations and neurological disorders. There are typical and atypical forms of the disease. With an atypical form, an erased course of the disease is possible, in which papules develop in the foci of hyperemia, which do not transform into vesicles.

In herpes zoster, the spread of the pathological process corresponds to a certain area of ​​the skin and does not cross the anatomical midline of the trunk. In most patients, the rash is preceded by a burning or itching sensation in a specific area of ​​the skin, as well as pain, which can be stabbing, throbbing, shooting, paroxysmal or constant. In a number of patients, the pain syndrome is accompanied by general systemic inflammatory manifestations: fever, malaise, myalgia, and headache.

Infection of the central nervous system and involvement of the meninges can produce meningeal, encephalic (symptoms suggest virus involvement of the brain and/or spinal cord and meninges), or mixed forms of herpes zoster. If the infection spreads along the optic nerve, ophthalmic herpes develops.

When a rash appears over the entire surface of the skin and on parenchymal organs (eg, liver, kidneys), a generalized form of herpes zoster develops. Another type of shingles is hemorrhagic. A characteristic feature is the bloody fluid inside the vesicles.

Symptoms of herpes zoster

The onset of the disease is accompanied by general intoxication, malaise and fever. Nausea and vomiting are possible. Lymph nodes are enlarged.

There are pronounced pains along the affected nerve, which can be permanent, but more often they are paroxysmal itchy in nature, intensifying at night.

As a rule, they are provoked by any irritants: touching the skin, cold, movement. Some patients complain of loss of sensation in certain areas of the skin, which may be combined with increased pain response. Sometimes the pain syndrome in the absence of skin rashes can resemble angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, renal colic, or pancreatitis. The period of neuralgia preceding the rash lasts up to 7 days. Then nodules appear on one side of the body, from which bubbles form with transparent contents, which gradually become cloudy. After 3-7 days, most of the bubbles dry up with the formation of yellow-brown crusts. When the bubbles are injured, bright red sores are exposed. After the sores heal, small scabs or scars remain on the skin.

Most often, rash and pain are noted in the region of the ribs, lower back and sacrum, less often along the branches of the trigeminal, facial and ear nerve and on the extremities.

In rare cases, the mucous membranes are affected.

Herpes zoster diagnostics

It is possible to make a diagnosis after examining and questioning the patient. The doctor pays attention to the nature of the rash (localized and unilateral), the type of vesicles and complaints of itchy burning pain. It is more difficult to identify the atypical form of herpes zoster. With an erased form, pain and other neurological symptoms may be absent. In case of neurogenic disorders before the appearance of rashes, the diagnosis can be made on the basis of the results of laboratory tests. In this case, a histological examination is used, and the virus is isolated in cell culture. The Zanck test helps to quickly confirm the herpetic nature of the rashes: giant multinucleated cells are found in the scraping of the material taken from the base of the vesicle. However, this test does not make it possible to determine the type of herpes. The methods of enzyme immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescent reaction are also used. Recently, the diagnosis of viral infections is carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Antibodies of the IgG class to the Varicella-Zoster virus (Varicella-Zoster Virus IgG, anti-VZV IgG, antibodies of the IgG class to the varicella-zoster virus and shingles)

Synonyms: Blood test for antibodies to the chickenpox virus; Chicken pox; Human herpes virus type 3; HBV-3 type; varicellae-zoster virus; Herpes zoster.

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Antibodies of the IgM class to the Varicella-Zoster virus (Varicella-Zoster Virus IgM, anti-VZV IgM, antibodies of the IgM class to the varicella-zoster virus and herpes zoster)

Synonyms: Blood test for antibodies to the chickenpox virus; Chicken pox; Human herpes virus type 3; HBV-3 type; varicellae-zoster virus; Herpes zoster.

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Which doctors to contact

Depending on the primary symptoms, patients with herpes zoster may see different specialists. However, first of all, you should go to
therapist for examination and referrals for tests. If limited, localized skin rashes appear and there are no pain symptoms, it is necessary to contact a dermatologist for differential diagnosis of erysipelas (caused by bacteria), eczema, etc. In case of severe pain syndrome, movement disorders, consultation is necessary
neurologist. In case of damage to the eyes, pain when moving the eyeballs, an ophthalmologist’s consultation is required. The generalized form of herpes often requires hospitalization and the combined efforts of an immunologist, a neurologist, and a dermatologist.

Herpes zoster treatment

With any localization of rashes, antiviral agents are first prescribed (the drug, the frequency of administration and dosage are determined by the attending physician!).

Their action is especially effective in the first 72 hours from the onset of clinical manifestations.

In the presence of a strong pain syndrome, the doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory therapy. However, contraindications must be taken into account (for example, chronic diseases such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, erosive lesions of the intestine, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum). If analgesics don’t work, your doctor may prescribe central analgesics (often prescription drugs) and nerve blocks. External (topical) treatment is necessary to eliminate inflammation and prevent infection of the skin by other agents (eg, bacteria). With erosive forms of herpes zoster, creams and ointments with antibacterial action are applied to the affected areas.

Your doctor may also recommend treatments to improve immunity, such as taking vitamins (particularly B vitamins).

Complications

When the vesicles open, a secondary infection (bacterial infection of the skin) is possible, which is accompanied by fever and general intoxication.

Typical complications of herpes zoster include neuritis, paresis and paralysis of sensory and motor nerves.

Postherpetic neuralgia is difficult to treat.

The ocular form of herpes can lead to keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), less often to iritis (inflammation of the iris) or glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure). In addition, the development of optic neuritis is possible, sometimes with its subsequent atrophy and blindness. With the defeat of the branch of the oculomotor nerve, ptosis develops (drooping of the upper eyelid). Sometimes patients complain of hearing loss, damage to the vestibular apparatus, in severe cases – paralysis and paresis of the oral cavity. In addition, patients may report tinnitus or increased sensitivity to sounds. Damage to the lumbosacral nerve nodes sometimes leads to urinary retention, constipation or diarrhea. In patients with significantly weakened immunity (with HIV infection, oncological diseases), herpes zoster often occurs in a generalized form and is complicated by meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis.

Shingles prevention

Since shingles is caused by the same pathogen as varicella, prevention of the disease will be based on the same measures as with chickenpox.

To prevent the spread of infection, isolation of the patient is necessary, which lasts up to 5 days from the moment the last element of the rash appears.

Persons who have been in contact with a patient with chickenpox are observed for 21 days. Active (vaccination) and passive (immunoglobulin administration) immunization are used as emergency prophylaxis. Vaccination is carried out for children older than 12 months and adults with no contraindications in the first 72-96 hours after probable contact with a person with chickenpox or shingles. Passive immunization with anti-varicella immunoglobulin is indicated for people with low immunity who have contraindications to vaccinations, pregnant women, children under 12 months of age and newborns whose mothers fell ill with chicken pox within 5 days before the birth of the child. The introduction of immunoglobulin is also carried out within 72-96 hours after contact with a patient with chicken pox or herpes zoster.

References

1. Herpes zoster: Clinical guidelines. Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. 2016.
2. Decree of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated February 5, 2018 No. 12 on the approval of SP 3.1.3525-18 “Chickenpox and Shingles Prevention”. 2018.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

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Shingles in a child: causes, symptoms and treatment

Content

• 1 Shingles in a child: causes, symptoms and effective treatment
  • 1. 1 Shingles in a child: causes, symptoms and treatment
  • 1.2 Opo shingles in a child: why it is dangerous and how to treat it
    • 1.2.1 What is shingles?
  • 1.3 How is shingles transmitted?
  • 1.4 Who is at risk of getting shingles?
  • 1.5 Symptoms of shingles in children
  • 1.6 Diagnosis of shingles in children
  • 1.7 Treatment of shingles in children
  • 1.8 Prevention of shingles in children
  • 1.9 Strengthening the child’s immunity to prevent shingles
  • 1.10 Consequences of not treating shingles in a child
  • 1.11 How to protect others when a child has shingles?
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What is shingles in children?
      • 1.13.0.2 What is the risk group for shingles?
      • 1.13.0.3 How can you get shingles?
      • 1.13.0.4 What are the symptoms of shingles in a child?
      • 1.13.0.5 What treatment is effective for shingles in children?
      • 1. 13.0.6 Is it possible to prevent infection with shingles?

Shingles in a child – symptoms, causes and treatments. Learn how to recognize the disease and what to do if your child has it. Tips and tricks to prevent this unpleasant disease.

Shingles is a skin disease caused by the herpes virus that most commonly affects children aged 5 to 17 years. This form of lichen is airborne and symptoms may appear several weeks after contact with an infectious person. Shingles goes away on its own, but it can be quite painful and unsightly, so it’s important to know how to treat it and how to help your child during the illness.

Symptoms of shingles in children usually begin with redness and itching of the skin. Then small, fluid-filled blisters appear that break and form tiny sores. These sores then form into a band that forms around the body (hence the name “shingles”). The appearance of shingles may be accompanied by fever, headache and general weakness.

Treatment of shingles in children includes the use of ointments and creams, as well as antiviral drugs. It is important to note that as soon as the first symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. There are also several home methods for relieving the symptoms of shingles, such as using ice packs and natural oils to moisturize the skin. The main principle in the treatment of shingles is to reduce painful symptoms, make sure there are no complications, and prevent the infection from spreading to other people.

Shingles in children: causes, symptoms and treatment

Shingles in children is a disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. The disease threatens with a complex of unpleasant symptoms, which makes it highly common in Russia and around the world.

The symptoms of skin disease are similar to those of dropsy. The onset of the disease is a rash on the body in the form of small bubbles, accompanied by itching and burning of the skin. As the disease progresses, the blisters stop swelling and begin to shed fluid. In place of the bubbles, crusts form, which later disappear, leaving a scar in place.

Treatment of shingles in a child involves the administration of antiviral drugs, which can act on the disease at an early stage. To reduce itching and soreness of the skin, external agents will be needed to relieve pain and soften the sensitivity of the skin.

• It is important to remember that the treatment of shingles is not easy and it is best to consult a doctor at an early stage of the disease.
• Do not self-medicate, as violation of the protocols stated in the medical community can cause therapy to fail and lead to complications.
• A consultation with a dermatologist will help determine the most suitable treatment complex for herpes zoster in immunocompetent and immunodeficient children.

Shingles in a child: why it is dangerous and how to treat it

What is shingles?

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral disease caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, which lives in the nerves and is activated under certain conditions.

Causes itchy and painful blisters on the skin and other symptoms. Shingles can be dangerous, especially for immunosuppressed children, so it’s important to seek medical attention at the first signs of the disease.

How is shingles transmitted?

Shingles is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. This virus can only be transmitted from person to person, through droplets of air that occur when coughing or sneezing, as well as through contact with blisters on the skin of the patient. Susceptibility to the virus in children and adults is almost the same.

The incubation period for shingles can be 10 to 21 days. During this period, the virus actively multiplies in the human body, but the symptoms of the disease do not yet appear.

It is important to note that after a person has had shingles, the virus remains in the body for life, and can resume its activity, leading to the development of herpes zoster or new cases of shingles.

Who is at risk of getting shingles?

Shingles is a contagious disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, some populations are more at risk for the disease:

• Children and adolescents because they are not yet fully immune
• People who are immunosuppressed due to chronic disease, stress, poor nutrition, or other factors
• Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation or treatment oncological diseases
• People living in conditions of high humidity or heat, as this contributes to the development of fungal infections, including herpes zoster
• People who have direct contact with infected animals

If you fall into any of these risk categories, it is important to take extra care of your health and take preventive measures to avoid contracting shingles.

Symptoms of herpes zoster in a child

Herpes zoster in children is manifested by several characteristic signs. One of them is the appearance of spots that adhere firmly to the skin. They can be red, pink or brown in color and oval or round in shape. There may also be a white coating or peeling on the spots.

Another sign is discomfort when touching the spots. They can be painful when touched. Also, a crust may form on them, which can bleed when it breaks or peels off the skin.

Often with herpes zoster there is an increase in lymph nodes in the affected area. Lymph nodes may become more sensitive to palpation and increase in size.

Diagnosis of herpes zoster in a child

Diagnosis of herpes zoster in a child is based on a visual examination of the affected areas of the skin. Characteristic symptoms are itching, redness, blisters covered with crusts, the presence of an annular or semi-oval rash on the skin. It is important to make sure that the symptoms are not caused by other skin conditions.

Laboratory tests are rarely used to diagnose shingles. If necessary, the doctor may take a swab or piece of skin for examination in the laboratory.

If a child has symptoms of herpes zoster, it is important to see a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

Treatment of herpes zoster in a child

Herpes zoster in a child must be treated under the supervision of a pediatrician. Certain symptoms may require a consultation with a dermatologist.

In addition, the child needs to take care of skin hygiene and prevent self-treatment, as this can lead to an aggravation of the disease.

• Antifungal creams and ointments are applied to affected skin several times a day. The time of treatment may vary depending on the age of the child, the condition of the disease and the doctor’s instructions.
• Pain and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed for severe itching and pain.
• It is important to maintain good personal hygiene and avoid spreading the infection to other parts of the body and other family members.

Sample list of drugs for the treatment of herpes zoster in children: Drug name Dosage and method of administration

Shingles prevention in children

The causes of shingles in children are quite complex, and often preventive measures do not guarantee 100% protection. However, there are a number of measures that help reduce the risk of infection:

1. Personal hygiene . The child needs to monitor the cleanliness of his body, take a shower regularly, change clothes and linen, use only his personal belongings (towels, combs, dishes), do not share them with other children.
2. Visiting public places . Many kindergartens, schools, sports sections require a certificate of the absence of infectious diseases in a child. It is important to monitor a positive test result and avoid visiting public places during the period of illness.
3. Immunity booster . Regular consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, vitamin complexes, as well as physical activity can help strengthen the body’s defenses.
4. Avoiding contact with infected people . If there is a child with shingles in a class, group or among friends, precautions should be taken. This may be the lack of close contact with this child, the lack of exchange of things, the need for different parts of the room or on the playground.

Remember that children are a risk group, and preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of infection, but do not completely eliminate it. The earlier the disease is detected, the more effectively it can be treated. Call your doctor if your child has the characteristic symptoms of shingles.

Strengthening the child’s immunity to prevent shingles

Shingles is a disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. The risk of infection increases if the child’s immune system is weakened. Therefore, strengthening the immune system can help in avoiding infection.

Exercise can also boost the immune system. It doesn’t have to be hard workouts. Just playing outdoors, cycling or swimming can help.

In addition, the quality and duration of sleep plays a role in strengthening the immune system. Regular sleep, on average 8-10 hours a day, helps improve a child’s immune system.

Finally, vaccinations can also help boost immunity. The varicella vaccine, which is included in the vaccination schedule, can prevent you from getting shingles.

Consequences of untreated shingles in a child

Shingles is a disease that requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, this disease can lead to serious consequences in the child.

• Spread of infection throughout the body. The progression of the disease and its insufficient treatment can lead to the spread of the infection to other parts of the child’s body.
• Complications on the skin. Left without the required treatment, shingles can cause purulent rashes on the skin of a child.
• Deterioration of general well-being. The presence of a disease in the body of children can lead to a deterioration in general well-being, the appearance of soreness and an increase in body temperature.
• Risk of infecting others. A child suffering from shingles can pass the infection on to others.

It is important to note that self-treatment and ignoring the problem can lead to an aggravation of the disease and an increase in both the number of rashes and the time required for a full recovery.

How can you protect others when your child has shingles?

Shingles in a child is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from a sick child to others around him. To protect yourself and others from infection, you need to follow a number of simple precautions.

• Take care of your child’s hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, media can get on your child’s furniture, toys, accessories.
• Avoid physical contact between the child and other people. During the period of illness, shingles should limit the contact of children with each other, as well as with adults, especially with pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.
• Do not share personal hygiene items with your child. In addition, the sole use of towels, leaves, clothes, combs, brushes, furniture is recommended.
• Isolate the child. Isolate the sick child during the first days of illness, after which the lichen is no longer contagious.

By following these simple rules, you can protect those around you and prevent the possible spread of shingles in your community.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is shingles in children?

Herpes zoster in children is a viral skin disease that manifests itself in the form of a group of blisters on the child’s body, often located along the nerve endings and accompanied by unbearable itching.

What is the risk group for shingles?

Shingles can affect any child or adult, but children under 10 years of age are most affected.

How can you get shingles?

Shingles is contracted through contact with the Varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. A person is only at risk of contracting shingles if they have already had chickenpox in the past and the Varicella zoster virus remains in their body.