How long does shingles typically last. What are the early symptoms of shingles. What treatments are available for shingles. Can shingles lead to complications. How can you prevent shingles from recurring. What are the risk factors for developing post-herpetic neuralgia.

Understanding Shingles: Causes and Prevalence

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. This condition affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States, with around half of all cases occurring in adults over 60 years old.

Why does shingles primarily affect older adults? As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, making it easier for the dormant virus to reactivate. However, it’s important to note that shingles can occur at any age in individuals who have had chickenpox.

The Shingles Timeline: From Early Symptoms to Recovery

Understanding the typical progression of shingles can help individuals recognize the condition early and seek prompt treatment. The timeline of shingles can be broken down into several stages:

Early Symptoms (1-5 days before rash appears)

• Skin sensitivity or pain in a localized area
• General discomfort
• Hot skin
• Irritation
• Itching
• Numbness
• Tingling sensation

Rash Development (Days 1-5)

A red rash typically forms around the sensitive area within 1 to 5 days of the initial symptoms. This rash often appears on one side of the face or body, most commonly on the side of the waist, although it can occur anywhere.

Blister Formation (Days 5-7)

Fluid-filled blisters develop at the site of the rash a few days after its appearance. These blisters are characteristic of shingles and can be quite painful.

Blister Crusting and Healing (Days 7-10)

The blisters will begin to ooze and then dry up, typically within 10 days of their appearance. As they dry, scabs will form on the skin.

Complete Healing (2-4 weeks)

The scabs usually heal within 2 weeks, but complete recovery can take up to 4 weeks. In most cases, shingles lasts 3-5 weeks from the onset of symptoms to full recovery.

Do all cases of shingles follow this exact timeline? It’s important to note that the severity and duration of shingles can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms and recover quickly, while others may have more severe cases that take longer to heal.

Recognizing Shingles: Key Symptoms and Signs

While the rash is the most recognizable symptom of shingles, there are several other signs to be aware of:

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Malaise or feeling of being unwell
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light

In some cases, shingles can affect vision if the rash occurs near the eyes. The severity of symptoms can range from mild discomfort to intense pain, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

Treatment Options for Shingles: Alleviating Symptoms and Speeding Recovery

Early treatment is crucial in managing shingles and preventing complications. The National Institute on Aging recommends seeking medical treatment no later than 3 days after the rash appears. What are the primary treatment options for shingles?

Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral medications are the cornerstone of shingles treatment. They help ease symptoms, speed up recovery, and may prevent complications. A typical course of antiviral drugs lasts 7 to 10 days. Common options include:

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

These medications are most effective when started within 3 days of the rash onset, although they may still be prescribed within the first 7 days of the rash appearing.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications can help reduce pain and skin irritation associated with shingles. Options may include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Acetaminophen
• Topical analgesics
• Prescription pain medications for severe cases

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can help relieve itching associated with the shingles rash. Both OTC and prescription antihistamines may be recommended, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Topical Treatments

Various topical treatments can provide relief from the discomfort of shingles:

• Calamine lotion to soothe itching
• Capsaicin cream to reduce pain
• Cool compresses to alleviate discomfort

Is there a role for alternative therapies in treating shingles? While scientific evidence is limited, some people find relief from complementary approaches such as acupuncture, tai chi, or certain herbal remedies. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments.

Potential Complications of Shingles: Understanding the Risks

While most cases of shingles resolve without long-term effects, there are potential complications that can occur. The most common and concerning complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

PHN refers to nerve damage that causes persistent pain and burning after the shingles infection has cleared. Up to 20 percent of people who get shingles may develop PHN, with older adults at higher risk. What factors increase the risk of developing PHN?

• Weakened immune system
• Severe pain during the early stages of shingles
• Advanced age
• Severe shingles affecting a large portion of the body

Treating PHN can be challenging, and symptoms may persist for months or even years. However, most people fully recover within 12 months.

Other Potential Complications

While less common, shingles can lead to other complications, including:

• Bacterial skin infections
• Facial paralysis
• Hearing loss
• Hepatitis
• Loss of taste
• Pneumonia
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Vertigo
• Vision problems

These complications underscore the importance of early treatment and careful monitoring of shingles cases, especially in high-risk individuals.

Preventing Shingles: Vaccination and Risk Reduction

While it’s not always possible to prevent shingles, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition or experiencing recurrences.

Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent shingles is through vaccination. Two vaccines are currently available:

• Shingrix: Recommended for adults 50 and older, this vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles.
• Zostavax: While no longer available for use in the United States as of November 18, 2020, this vaccine was previously used for adults 60 and older.

Who should consider getting vaccinated against shingles? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the Shingrix vaccine for all adults 50 and older, even if they’ve previously had shingles or received the Zostavax vaccine.

Lifestyle Factors

While not guaranteed to prevent shingles, certain lifestyle factors may help reduce the risk:

• Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or therapy
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• Getting adequate sleep to support immune function
• Exercising regularly to boost overall health and immunity

Living with Shingles: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with shingles can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. What strategies can help individuals cope with the condition?

Pain Management Techniques

• Using cool compresses to soothe the affected area
• Taking lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal to relieve itching
• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing to avoid irritating the rash
• Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to manage pain

Emotional Support

The pain and discomfort of shingles can take an emotional toll. Seeking support from family, friends, or support groups can be beneficial. Some individuals may also find it helpful to speak with a mental health professional to manage stress and anxiety related to their condition.

Lifestyle Adjustments

During the active phase of shingles, it may be necessary to make temporary lifestyle adjustments:

• Taking time off work or reducing workload to focus on recovery
• Avoiding strenuous activities that may exacerbate pain
• Maintaining good hygiene to prevent bacterial infections of the rash
• Avoiding contact with individuals who haven’t had chickenpox, especially pregnant women and newborns

How can caregivers support someone with shingles? Caregivers can play a crucial role in helping manage symptoms, assisting with daily tasks, and providing emotional support. It’s important for caregivers to also take precautions to avoid contracting the virus if they haven’t had chickenpox or been vaccinated.

Shingles Research: Current Studies and Future Directions

Ongoing research into shingles aims to improve prevention, treatment, and management of the condition. What are some of the current areas of focus in shingles research?

Vaccine Development

Scientists continue to work on improving existing vaccines and developing new ones to provide longer-lasting and more comprehensive protection against shingles.

Novel Treatment Approaches

Research is ongoing to identify new antiviral medications and pain management strategies, particularly for individuals with PHN.

Genetic Factors

Studies are exploring the genetic factors that may influence an individual’s susceptibility to shingles and the severity of the infection.

Long-term Effects

Researchers are investigating the potential long-term effects of shingles, including its possible link to cardiovascular events and other health conditions.

As research progresses, our understanding of shingles and our ability to prevent and treat the condition will likely continue to improve, offering hope for better outcomes for those affected by this viral infection.

How long does shingles last? Timeline and treatment

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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

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Was this helpful?

Shingles causes a painful rash, itching, and burning skin followed by oozing blisters. Shingles lasts 3–5 weeks in most cases, and the blisters usually take around 10 days to heal. After it heals, most people will not have shingles again.

Shingles is a viral infection that affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States. Around half of all shingles cases occur in adults over 60 years old.

It can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox, as both shingles and chickenpox are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus remains in the body after chickenpox has cleared and can reactivate at any time, leading to shingles.

Shingles symptoms tend to develop on one side of the face or body. They often affect just a small area. The most common location is on the side of the waist, although they can occur anywhere.

Share on PinterestA red rash usually forms after several days of early symptoms.

Several days before a rash appears, shingles may cause skin sensitivity or pain. Further early symptoms include:

• general discomfort
• hot skin
• irritation
• itching
• numbness
• tingling

Within the next 1 to 5 days, a red rash will normally form around the sensitive area. A few days later, fluid-filled blisters will develop at the site of the rash.

The blisters will ooze before drying up, typically within 10 days of appearing. At this point, scabs will form on the skin, tending to heal within 2 weeks.

There may be other symptoms accompanying the skin sensitivity and rash, including:

• chills
• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• malaise or feeling of being unwell
• nausea
• sensitivity to light

A person’s vision may be affected if the shingles occurs near the eyes.

It should be noted that shingles symptoms range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing itching and mild discomfort and others having intense pain.

Most cases of shingles resolve without causing long-term effects. However, potential complications include:

Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN)

Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN) is a common complication of shingles. It refers to nerve damage that causes pain and burning that persists after the shingles infection is gone.

Some sources suggest that up to 20 percent of people who get shingles develop PHN with older adults thought to be especially at risk.

Treating PHN is difficult, and the symptoms can last for years. However, most people fully recover within 12 months.

It is not known why some people who have shingles go on to develop PHN. The risk factors for PHN include:

• a weakened immune system
• having pain during the early stages of a shingles infection
• advanced age
• having severe shingles that covers a large portion of the skin

According to some research, older women who get severe pain and rash symptoms may have a 50 percent chance of developing PHN.

Other complications

Other potential complications of shingles include:

• bacterial infections of the skin
• facial paralysis
• hearing loss
• hepatitis
• loss of taste
• pneumonia
• ringing in the ears
• vertigo, a type of dizziness
• vision problems

Share on PinterestOver-the-counter or prescription medication may be recommended to treat shingles.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as a person notices the symptoms of shingles.

The National Institute on Aging recommend that people seek medical treatment no later than 3 days after the rash appears. Early treatment can limit pain, help the rash heal quicker, and may reduce scarring.

Once a doctor confirms shingles, they may suggest the following treatments:

Antiviral drugs

These ease symptoms, speed up recovery, and may prevent complications. A course of antiviral medications is usually prescribed for 7 to 10 days. Options include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 3 days of the rash onset, although they may still be prescribed within the first 7 days of the rash appearing.

Painkillers and antihistamines

Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications may reduce pain and skin irritation. Options include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• antihistamines for itching, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• corticosteroids or local anesthetics for severe pain
• numbing products, including lidocaine (Lidoderm)

Some of these medications are available for purchase online, including ibuprofen, antihistamines, and lidocaine.

Antidepressants

Certain antidepressant drugs have been proven effective in reducing shingles pain, as well as symptoms of PHN.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are most commonly prescribed for shingles pain, including:

• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)

It can take several weeks or months before antidepressants work for nerve pain.

Anticonvulsant medications

Although typically used to treat epilepsy, some anticonvulsant drugs may reduce nerve pain. Again, these can take several weeks to take effect. Commonly prescribed anticonvulsants for shingles include:

• gabapentin (Neurontin)
• pregabalin (Lyrica)

In addition to seeking medical treatment, people can take other steps to alleviate their symptoms and reduce discomfort. These include:

• getting enough sleep and rest
• using a wet compress on the itchy and inflamed skin and blisters
• reducing stress through a healthy lifestyle, meditation, and deep breathing exercises
• wearing loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton.
• taking an oatmeal bath
• applying calamine lotion to the skin

People should avoid scratching the rash and blisters as much as they can. Breaking the skin or bursting the blisters can cause infection and further complications.

Shingles is not contagious but is the reactivation of a virus already present in the body.

However, a person with shingles can give chickenpox to someone who has never had the VZV infection before.

Therefore, people with shingles should avoid contact with those who have never had chickenpox until their rash has completely healed. To catch the virus, someone must have direct contact with the rash.

To avoid spreading VZV, people with shingles should:

• Avoid close contact with people who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated for chickenpox.
• Avoid close contact with low birth-weight infants and people with a compromised immune system, such as those on HIV medication or who have had an organ transplant.
• Keep the rash covered with loose, natural clothing to avoid others coming into contact with it.
• Wash their hands frequently, especially after touching the rash or applying lotions to the skin.

Share on PinterestPeople over 50 should get a vaccination against shingles.

There is a vaccination available to reduce the risk of developing shingles and experiencing long-term complications, such as PHN.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 50 years and older have two doses of the Shingrex vaccination over a 2-6 month period. It is believed to be more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN.

People who have already had shingles can have the vaccine to prevent future occurrences.

Up to a third of the population in the U.S. is affected by shingles. Symptoms vary in their severity and duration. Early intervention is key in reducing symptom severity and avoiding complications, such as PHN.

Therefore, people should see their doctor, as soon as possible, if they have heightened skin sensitivity or develop a rash or blisters. Several home remedies can alleviate shingle symptoms when used in conjunction with medical treatments.

People should consider having the shingles vaccination to reduce their risk of getting shingles and long-term nerve pain.

How long does shingles last? Timeline and treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Shingles causes a painful rash, itching, and burning skin followed by oozing blisters. Shingles lasts 3–5 weeks in most cases, and the blisters usually take around 10 days to heal. After it heals, most people will not have shingles again.

Shingles is a viral infection that affects approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States. Around half of all shingles cases occur in adults over 60 years old.

It can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox, as both shingles and chickenpox are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus remains in the body after chickenpox has cleared and can reactivate at any time, leading to shingles.

Shingles symptoms tend to develop on one side of the face or body. They often affect just a small area. The most common location is on the side of the waist, although they can occur anywhere.

Share on PinterestA red rash usually forms after several days of early symptoms.

Several days before a rash appears, shingles may cause skin sensitivity or pain. Further early symptoms include:

• general discomfort
• hot skin
• irritation
• itching
• numbness
• tingling

Within the next 1 to 5 days, a red rash will normally form around the sensitive area. A few days later, fluid-filled blisters will develop at the site of the rash.

The blisters will ooze before drying up, typically within 10 days of appearing. At this point, scabs will form on the skin, tending to heal within 2 weeks.

There may be other symptoms accompanying the skin sensitivity and rash, including:

• chills
• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• malaise or feeling of being unwell
• nausea
• sensitivity to light

A person’s vision may be affected if the shingles occurs near the eyes.

It should be noted that shingles symptoms range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing itching and mild discomfort and others having intense pain.

Most cases of shingles resolve without causing long-term effects. However, potential complications include:

Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN)

Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN) is a common complication of shingles. It refers to nerve damage that causes pain and burning that persists after the shingles infection is gone.

Some sources suggest that up to 20 percent of people who get shingles develop PHN with older adults thought to be especially at risk.

Treating PHN is difficult, and the symptoms can last for years. However, most people fully recover within 12 months.

It is not known why some people who have shingles go on to develop PHN. The risk factors for PHN include:

• a weakened immune system
• having pain during the early stages of a shingles infection
• advanced age
• having severe shingles that covers a large portion of the skin

According to some research, older women who get severe pain and rash symptoms may have a 50 percent chance of developing PHN.

Other complications

Other potential complications of shingles include:

• bacterial infections of the skin
• facial paralysis
• hearing loss
• hepatitis
• loss of taste
• pneumonia
• ringing in the ears
• vertigo, a type of dizziness
• vision problems

Share on PinterestOver-the-counter or prescription medication may be recommended to treat shingles.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as a person notices the symptoms of shingles.

The National Institute on Aging recommend that people seek medical treatment no later than 3 days after the rash appears. Early treatment can limit pain, help the rash heal quicker, and may reduce scarring.

Once a doctor confirms shingles, they may suggest the following treatments:

Antiviral drugs

These ease symptoms, speed up recovery, and may prevent complications. A course of antiviral medications is usually prescribed for 7 to 10 days. Options include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 3 days of the rash onset, although they may still be prescribed within the first 7 days of the rash appearing.

Painkillers and antihistamines

Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications may reduce pain and skin irritation. Options include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
• antihistamines for itching, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• corticosteroids or local anesthetics for severe pain
• numbing products, including lidocaine (Lidoderm)

Some of these medications are available for purchase online, including ibuprofen, antihistamines, and lidocaine.

Antidepressants

Certain antidepressant drugs have been proven effective in reducing shingles pain, as well as symptoms of PHN.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are most commonly prescribed for shingles pain, including:

• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)

It can take several weeks or months before antidepressants work for nerve pain.

Anticonvulsant medications

Although typically used to treat epilepsy, some anticonvulsant drugs may reduce nerve pain. Again, these can take several weeks to take effect. Commonly prescribed anticonvulsants for shingles include:

• gabapentin (Neurontin)
• pregabalin (Lyrica)

In addition to seeking medical treatment, people can take other steps to alleviate their symptoms and reduce discomfort. These include:

• getting enough sleep and rest
• using a wet compress on the itchy and inflamed skin and blisters
• reducing stress through a healthy lifestyle, meditation, and deep breathing exercises
• wearing loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton.
• taking an oatmeal bath
• applying calamine lotion to the skin

People should avoid scratching the rash and blisters as much as they can. Breaking the skin or bursting the blisters can cause infection and further complications.

Shingles is not contagious but is the reactivation of a virus already present in the body.

However, a person with shingles can give chickenpox to someone who has never had the VZV infection before.

Therefore, people with shingles should avoid contact with those who have never had chickenpox until their rash has completely healed. To catch the virus, someone must have direct contact with the rash.

To avoid spreading VZV, people with shingles should:

• Avoid close contact with people who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated for chickenpox.
• Avoid close contact with low birth-weight infants and people with a compromised immune system, such as those on HIV medication or who have had an organ transplant.
• Keep the rash covered with loose, natural clothing to avoid others coming into contact with it.
• Wash their hands frequently, especially after touching the rash or applying lotions to the skin.

Share on PinterestPeople over 50 should get a vaccination against shingles.

There is a vaccination available to reduce the risk of developing shingles and experiencing long-term complications, such as PHN.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 50 years and older have two doses of the Shingrex vaccination over a 2-6 month period. It is believed to be more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN.

People who have already had shingles can have the vaccine to prevent future occurrences.

Up to a third of the population in the U.S. is affected by shingles. Symptoms vary in their severity and duration. Early intervention is key in reducing symptom severity and avoiding complications, such as PHN.

Therefore, people should see their doctor, as soon as possible, if they have heightened skin sensitivity or develop a rash or blisters. Several home remedies can alleviate shingle symptoms when used in conjunction with medical treatments.

People should consider having the shingles vaccination to reduce their risk of getting shingles and long-term nerve pain.

Treatment of herpes zoster in St. Petersburg. Treatment of herpes zoster type 3 in adults and children.

Everyone knows that in childhood such a disease as chickenpox proceeds quite easily – a few days in green spots and that’s it. But few compare “chickenpox” vesicles with herpes. But this is just a vivid reaction to the first meeting with the type 3 herpes virus. So it turns out that after an illness, we not only acquire immunity to chickenpox (or chickenpox), but also become carriers of the virus. And it is possible that after a few decades you will have to find out what the treatment of shingles is.

“Crawling belt or belt” – so you can literally translate the name of the disease Herpes Zoster. And the use of the word “lichen” is explained simply – this is how any rash in the form of nodules or vesicles is designated. In ancient times, it was believed that this disease either goes away on its own or torments a person for a long time. Now there is an effective treatment for herpes zoster, which, of course, will protect against complications and the transition to a chronic form.

As practice shows, only in exceptional cases the disease is not accompanied by severe pain and ends in a couple of weeks. As a rule, even with adequate treatment and the absence of complications, it takes at least a month to recover.

Symptoms and treatment of herpes zoster

Most often, this virus settles in the nerve cells of the spinal cord, and its favorite location is the thoracic and lumbar regions. If for some reason the virus becomes active, then, multiplying, it reaches the end of the nerve and the organ that this nerve innervates.

Again, the classic picture is that the virus moves along the intercostal nerves, hence both symptoms and treatment of herpes zoster in adult varicella virus carriers in most cases are associated with pain and rashes in the chest, abdomen and lower back.

• It all starts like any viral disease – general weakness, fever and in the very first days no signs of a rash. During this period, the treatment of herpes type 3 is not carried out due to the ambiguity of the picture;
• A distinctive feature of the initial stage is some itching, tingling and pain (often severe) in places where rashes will later appear. These are neuralgic pains that appear due to damage to the peripheral nerves by the virus;
• Often at this stage, errors in the diagnosis occur, since the skin is still clean, and doctors take sharp pains for angina pectoris, pleurisy, or even a lung infarction. Of course, without observing the symptoms characteristic of the disease and the treatment of herpes zoster, doctors do not prescribe;
• Soon, pinkish swellings appear on the skin, and after 3-4 days, rashes characteristic of herpes in the form of bubbles rapidly form on them. In this case, the pain syndrome, as a rule, remains pronounced, and the treatment of herpes zoster in adult patients in this case implies not only exposure to the virus, but also analgesic therapy;
• If the disease proceeds without complications, then after about a week the bubbles “burst” and dry up, as usual, leaving a crust on the affected area. And, as in childhood during chickenpox, these crusts do not need to be removed – the formation of wounds is possible, into which a bacterial infection can easily get. Therefore, experienced infectious disease specialists, when prescribing the treatment of herpes zoster in adults at this stage, include, if necessary, antibacterial agents.

Important to remember!

• Any herpes virus is activated only during periods when a weakened immune system allows it. Therefore, you need to be attentive to the state of your health if you understand that your immunity is not as good as you would like;
• The symptoms and treatment of herpes zoster in adults are well known only to experienced infectious disease specialists, because, despite the widespread distribution of type 3 virus (95% of the population are carriers), about 15 people per 100 thousand of the population suffer from herpes zoster. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion, entrust your health to highly qualified doctors.

Herpes zoster treatment consultation in St. Petersburg ID-CLINIC private clinic

Herpes zoster treatment consultation in St. Petersburg ID-CLINIC private clinic

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Herpes zoster (shingles or Varicella zoster) is an infection of the skin and nervous system that occurs when reactivation herpesvirus type 3 Varicella zoster . The causative agent affects a person even in childhood and becomes the cause of chickenpox, and after recovery remains in the nerve ganglia for life. In most people, the virus does not manifest itself in any way, but with a decrease in immunity, it begins to multiply and causes symptoms similar to Herpes zoster.

The initial period of the disease

The prodromal symptoms of herpes zoster are similar to those of other infections. A person experiences weakness, malaise, decreased performance. The body temperature rises, an increase in one or more groups of lymph nodes is possible. Burning, itching, numbness or tingling is felt on the skin in places of future rashes, and intense pain develops after a few days. The prodromal period lasts up to 7 days.

Typical symptoms

Herpes zoster is manifested by rashes on the body, which are localized on one side and affect a limited area of ​​the skin. The location of the rash corresponds to the zone of innervation of the affected nerve and is accompanied by herpetic neuritis . First, pink spots appear, which quickly transform into small bubbles. Over time, the bubbles open or shrink. Inflammatory elements heal through the stage of crusts and hyperpigmentation.

Possible complications

In herpes zoster, most often there is a lesion of the nervous system in the form of postherpetic neuralgia , herpetic meningoencephalitis, transverse myelitis, paresis of the facial nerve. Bacterial complications include pustular infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, with a generalized form of the disease, pneumonia may develop. The risk of complications increases in debilitated and elderly patients.

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Atypical forms

● Abortive – Herpes zoster with minimal symptoms, no skin rash.
● Bullous – skin rash is presented in the form of large blisters with transparent contents.
● Hemorrhagic – blisters on the skin are filled with blood, when they heal, brown crusts form.
● Gangrenous – a deep skin lesion with the formation of poorly healing ulcers, after which scars remain.
● Generalized – rashes spread over a large area of ​​the skin, forming confluent foci.

Doctor’s consultation

It is recommended to visit a specialist already at the first signs of infection, when a person experiences an unpleasant burning sensation and soreness on the skin. With such symptoms, you should contact a dermatologist , and in case of postherpetic neuritis – a neurologist . The ID-Clinic doctor conducts a general examination, collects an anamnesis, and identifies risk factors. If necessary, special diagnostics are prescribed: serological analysis (ELISA), virus DNA isolation using PCR, virological and microscopic methods.

Prevention of herpes zoster

The most reliable way to protect yourself from infection is timely vaccination . Both primary vaccination of herpes zoster in risk groups (older people, debilitated patients, taking immunosuppressive drugs, people living with HIV) and secondary vaccination in patients with recurrent herpes zoster are carried out. For the purpose of specific prophylaxis, the Varilrix vaccine is used, which is administered twice with an interval of 4-6 weeks.

Herpes zoster treatment

Etiotropic drugs
In all cases of herpes zoster, antiherpetic agents of the acyclovir group are used. In addition to them, interferon preparations and interferon inducers may be prescribed.
Pathogenic therapy
The main goal is to relieve pain. For this purpose, NSAIDs, opioid analgesics, anticonvulsants and antidepressants can be used. To eliminate other signs of the disease, antihistamines, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
Local treatment
To treat areas of rashes on the skin, ointments with antiviral components, alcohol solutions of aniline dyes, and antiseptic solutions are prescribed. If the rash passes to the mucous membranes, astringents and anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated.

Follow-up

Patients who have had uncomplicated herpes zoster and do not have risk factors do not require medical supervision. The remaining groups of patients are on dispensary records for 1-3 years. It is recommended that such people regularly come for examinations to a neurologist, take a set of laboratory tests. Dispensary observation and timely correction of the state of health reduce the risk of Herpes zoster recurrence in high-risk groups.

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B01. 014.001.001	Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist	3000 ₽
B01.023.001	Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with a neurologist	3000 ₽
B01.008.001	Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with a dermatovenereologist	3000 ₽
	Online consultation of an infectious disease specialist	3000 ₽
	Online consultation with a venereologist	3500 ₽
	Online GP consultation	3000 ₽
	Online consultation with a neurologist	3000 ₽

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This is not the first time the whole family has been contacting us, the main thing is testing, the administrators are always friendly, no queues, unnecessary questions and waste of time. We arrived, handed over, the result was received by mail. Always fast and extremely polite. Prices are not too high. Always on time and even faster. We are very satisfied and will continue to use. If necessary, you can contact narrow-profile specialists. Very pleased that there is a good pulmonologist. For me, this is extremely important.
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