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Medical what are shingles. Shingles: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Herpes Zoster

by alexxlab

What is shingles and how does it differ from chickenpox. What are the risk factors for developing shingles. How is shingles diagnosed and treated. What are the potential complications of shingles. How can shingles be prevented through vaccination.

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What is Shingles and How Does It Develop?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful viral infection characterized by a distinctive rash. It is 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’s nerve tissues for years or even decades. Under certain circumstances, such as weakened immunity or increased stress, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.

The reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus typically occurs in a specific nerve pathway, leading to the development of a painful, blistering rash along that nerve’s distribution. This localized nature of shingles distinguishes it from the widespread rash seen in chickenpox.

Key Facts About Shingles

  • Caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus
  • Affects people who have previously had chickenpox
  • Characterized by a painful, blistering rash
  • Most common in individuals over 50 years old
  • Can lead to complications if left untreated

Recognizing the Symptoms of Shingles

The symptoms of shingles typically develop in stages, beginning with prodromal symptoms and progressing to the characteristic rash. Understanding these symptoms can help in early detection and prompt treatment.

Early Warning Signs

What are the initial symptoms of shingles? The early signs of shingles often include:

  • Tingling, burning, or numbness in a specific area of the skin
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Mild to moderate pain in the affected area
  • Headache and fatigue
  • Low-grade fever

These symptoms may appear several days before the rash becomes visible, making early diagnosis challenging.

The Shingles Rash

How does the shingles rash appear and progress? The characteristic shingles rash typically follows this pattern:

  1. Red patches appear on the skin in the affected area
  2. Fluid-filled blisters develop within the red patches
  3. The blisters break open and crust over
  4. The rash usually heals within 2-4 weeks

The rash most commonly appears as a band or strip on one side of the body or face, following the path of the affected nerve. This unilateral distribution is a hallmark of shingles.

Risk Factors and Populations Vulnerable to Shingles

While anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, certain factors increase the risk of reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and seek early treatment if necessary.

Age-Related Risk

Why does the risk of shingles increase with age? As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, making it more difficult for the body to keep the varicella-zoster virus dormant. This is why shingles is most common in people over 50 years old, with the risk continuing to increase in subsequent decades.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing shingles. This includes individuals who:

  • Have HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders
  • Are undergoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation
  • Take immunosuppressive medications, including steroids and drugs used after organ transplantation
  • Have certain cancers that affect the immune system, like leukemia or lymphoma

Stress and Illness

Periods of high stress or illness can temporarily weaken the immune system, potentially triggering shingles. This includes both physical and emotional stress, such as:

  • Major life changes or trauma
  • Chronic stress from work or personal life
  • Serious illnesses or surgeries
  • Prolonged use of certain medications

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation of Shingles

Accurate diagnosis of shingles is crucial for timely and effective treatment. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of clinical examination and, in some cases, laboratory tests to confirm a shingles diagnosis.

Clinical Examination

How do doctors diagnose shingles? The primary method of diagnosis is through a clinical examination, which involves:

  • Assessing the patient’s medical history, including previous chickenpox infection
  • Examining the characteristic rash and its distribution
  • Evaluating accompanying symptoms such as pain and sensitivity

In most cases, the distinctive appearance and pattern of the shingles rash, combined with the patient’s symptoms and history, are sufficient for a diagnosis.

Laboratory Tests

In some cases, particularly when the diagnosis is unclear or in patients with compromised immune systems, additional tests may be necessary. These can include:

  • Viral culture: A sample from the rash is tested to detect the presence of the varicella-zoster virus
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: This highly sensitive test can detect VZV DNA in fluid from the blisters
  • Tzanck smear: A microscopic examination of cells from the rash, which can help distinguish shingles from other skin conditions

Treatment Options and Management of Shingles

While there is no cure for shingles, prompt treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as lower the risk of complications. The management of shingles typically involves a combination of antiviral medications and pain relief strategies.

Antiviral Medications

What are the primary medications used to treat shingles? Antiviral drugs are the cornerstone of shingles treatment. The most commonly prescribed antivirals include:

  • Acyclovir
  • Valacyclovir
  • Famciclovir

These medications are most effective when started within 72 hours of rash onset. They work by inhibiting viral replication, which can shorten the duration of the outbreak and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Pain Management

Managing pain is a crucial aspect of shingles treatment. Depending on the severity of pain, various approaches may be used:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • Topical treatments like lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream
  • Prescription pain medications for severe cases
  • Anticonvulsants or antidepressants to manage nerve pain

Supportive Care

Additional measures to manage symptoms and promote healing include:

  • Applying cool, wet compresses to the rash area
  • Keeping the rash clean and dry to prevent bacterial infection
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothing to minimize irritation
  • Getting plenty of rest to support the immune system

Complications and Long-Term Effects of Shingles

While many people recover from shingles without significant long-term effects, some individuals may experience complications. Understanding these potential complications is important for recognizing when additional medical attention may be necessary.

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

What is the most common complication of shingles? Postherpetic neuralgia is the most frequent and often debilitating complication of shingles. It is characterized by persistent pain in the area affected by the shingles rash, even after the rash has healed. PHN can last for months or even years, significantly impacting quality of life.

Risk factors for developing PHN include:

  • Advanced age (over 50)
  • Severe pain during the acute phase of shingles
  • Extensive rash
  • Delayed or inadequate treatment of the initial shingles outbreak

Other Potential Complications

Depending on the location of the shingles outbreak, other complications may occur:

  • Vision problems: If shingles affects the eye (ophthalmic shingles), it can lead to vision loss or other eye-related complications
  • Hearing or balance issues: Shingles in or near the ear can cause hearing loss, vertigo, or facial paralysis
  • Skin infections: Secondary bacterial infections can occur if the rash is not kept clean and dry
  • Neurological complications: In rare cases, shingles can lead to encephalitis, meningitis, or other neurological problems

Prevention Strategies and Vaccination Against Shingles

Preventing shingles is preferable to treating it, and vaccination plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing this painful condition. Understanding the available vaccines and their recommendations can help individuals make informed decisions about their health.

Shingles Vaccines

What vaccines are available to prevent shingles? There are currently two vaccines approved for the prevention of shingles:

  1. Shingrix (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine): This is the preferred vaccine and is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles.
  2. Zostavax (Zoster Vaccine Live): While no longer available for use in the United States as of November 18, 2020, it may still be used in other countries.

Vaccination Recommendations

Who should get vaccinated against shingles? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:

  • Adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months
  • People who have had shingles in the past should still receive the vaccine to prevent future occurrences
  • Those who previously received Zostavax should get Shingrix

It’s important to note that while the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of shingles, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Vaccinated individuals who do develop shingles typically experience milder cases with fewer complications.

Additional Prevention Strategies

While vaccination is the most effective prevention method, other strategies can help maintain overall health and potentially reduce the risk of shingles:

  • Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counseling
  • Maintaining a healthy diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients
  • Getting adequate sleep to support immune function
  • Avoiding close contact with people who have active shingles or chickenpox if you’ve never had chickenpox or the vaccine

Living with Shingles: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with shingles can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Implementing effective coping strategies and seeking support can significantly improve the experience of living with this condition.

Managing Daily Life with Shingles

How can individuals cope with the daily challenges of shingles? Here are some practical tips:

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to minimize irritation of the affected area
  • Use calamine lotion or other soothing topical treatments to relieve itching
  • Take lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal to soothe the skin
  • Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
  • Get plenty of rest to support your body’s healing process
  • Maintain a healthy diet to boost your immune system

Emotional Support and Mental Health

The pain and discomfort of shingles can take a toll on mental health. Consider these strategies for emotional well-being:

  • Join a support group for people with shingles or chronic pain
  • Speak with a therapist or counselor about coping with the emotional impact of the condition
  • Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety
  • Stay connected with friends and family for social support

When to Seek Additional Medical Help

While most cases of shingles can be managed at home with prescribed treatments, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Seek help if you experience:

  • Severe pain that is not controlled by prescribed medications
  • Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the rash
  • Involvement of the eye or ear
  • Persistent fever or other systemic symptoms
  • Worsening of symptoms despite treatment

Remember, early intervention can help prevent complications and improve outcomes in managing shingles.

Shingles | Herpes Zoster | MedlinePlus

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What is shingles?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is an infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. It may not cause problems for many years. But as you get older, the virus may become active again and cause shingles.

Is shingles contagious?

Shingles is not contagious. You cannot get shingles from someone else. But you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have direct contact with fluid from their shingles rash.

The risk of spreading the virus is low if the shingles rash is kept covered. People with shingles cannot spread the virus before their rash blisters appear or after the rash crusts.

Who is at risk for shingles?

Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. But the risk of shingles goes up as you get older. Shingles is most common in people over age 50.

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting shingles. This includes those who:

  • Have immune system diseases such as HIV
  • Have certain cancers
  • Take medicines that weaken their immune system, such as steroids and medicines you take after organ transplant

Your immune system may be weaker when you have an infection or are stressed. This can raise your risk of shingles.

It is rare, but possible, to get shingles more than once.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Early signs of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching. It is usually on one side of the body or face. The pain can be mild to severe.

Up to several days later, you will get a rash. It consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days. The rash is usually a single stripe around either the left or the right side of the body. In other cases, the rash is only on one side of the face. In rare cases (usually among people with weakened immune systems), the rash may be more widespread. It might look similar to a chickenpox rash.

Some people may also have other symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Upset stomach

What other problems can shingles cause?

Shingles can cause other problems (complications):

  • Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is most common complication of shingles. It causes severe pain in the areas where you had the shingles rash. It usually gets better in a few weeks or months. But some people can have pain from PHN for many years, and it can interfere with daily life.
  • Vision loss can happen if shingles affects your eye. It may be temporary or permanent.
  • Hearing or balance problems are possible if you have shingles within or near your ear. You may also have weakness of the muscles on that side of your face. These problems can be temporary or permanent.

Very rarely, shingles can also lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), or death.

How is shingles diagnosed?

Usually your health care provider can diagnose shingles by taking your medical history and looking at your rash. In some cases, your provider may scrap off tissue from the rash or swab some fluid from the blisters and send the sample to a lab for testing.

What are the treatments for shingles?

There is no cure for shingles. Antiviral medicines may help to make the attack shorter and less severe. They may also help prevent PHN. The medicines are most effective if you can take them within 3 days after the rash appears. So if you think you might have shingles, contact your provider as soon as possible.

Pain relievers may also help with the pain. A cool washcloth, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths may help relieve some of the itching.

Can shingles be prevented?

There is a vaccine, called Shingrix, to help prevent shingles and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get the vaccine. Your provider might also recommend the vaccine if you are over 19 and have a weakened immune system. The vaccine is given in two doses.

If you have shingles, you can help prevent spreading the virus to others by:

  • Staying away from:
    • People with weakened immune systems
    • People who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, especially if they are pregnant
    • Premature or low birth weight babies
  • Keeping the rash covered
  • Not touching or scratching the rash
  • Washing your hands often

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • Shingles

    (National Institute on Aging)

    Also in Spanish

  • Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

    (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Shingles Transmission

    (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

    Also in Spanish

  • What Everyone Should Know about Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

    (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Herpes Zoster Oticus

    (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

  • Postherpetic Neuralgia

    (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

    Also in Spanish

  • Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

    (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

  • Photos of Shingles

    (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  • Shingles (Zoster)

    (VisualDX)

  • Shingles: Signs and Symptoms

    (American Academy of Dermatology)

  • ClinicalTrials. gov: Herpes Zoster

    (National Institutes of Health)

  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Neuralgia, Postherpetic

    (National Institutes of Health)

  • Article: Causal association between inflammatory bowel disease and herpes virus infections: a. ..

  • Article: Prevention of Shingles in Dermatology Patients on Systemic Medications.

  • Article: The incidence of herpes zoster in China: A meta-analysis and evidence. ..

  • Shingles — see more articles

  • Find a Dermatologist

    (American Academy of Dermatology)

  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

    Also in Spanish

  • Shingles (For Parents)

    (Nemours Foundation)

    Also in Spanish

  • Get the Shingrix Vaccine if You Are 50 or Older

    (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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.

More Information

Shingles (herpes) – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of lichen in Moscow

  • Signs of herpes zoster
  • Lichen forms
  • Causes
  • Incipient disease
  • Eruption period
  • Crust
  • Diagnosis of herpes zoster
  • How to treat infection?
  • What are antivirals used for?
  • Possible consequences of herpes
  • Is shingles contagious?
  • When lichen is transmitted
  • Disease prevention
  • Which doctor to contact with herpes zoster

Shingles , also known as herpes zoster or herpes zoster, is a viral disease that occurs as a result of reactivation of the herpes simplex virus type 3. It is characterized by inflammation of the skin, on which a large number of vesicles appear, as well as inflammation of the nervous tissue surrounding the posterior roots of the spinal cord and ganglia of peripheral nerves. This condition usually occurs in a specific area of ​​the skin known as the “dermatome” and has vivid and painful symptoms.

Most often, the disease is detected in the elderly. Unfavorable ecology contributes to the development of infection in young people with weak immunity. Shingles often develops against the background of oncological processes, especially in people with weakened immune systems (after chemotherapy, for example).

Signs of herpes zoster

The onset of the disease is quite pronounced – there is a burning sensation and soreness of a certain area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. Often these areas coincide with the location of the trigeminal facial nerve, affect the forehead, back of the head, neck, and can be located in accordance with the course of the nerves.

Lichen forms

The disease can be typical and atypical.

With an atypical form, the symptoms may be mild:

  • In the abortive form, rashes are absent or there is a single focus;
  • Bullous form – multiple vesicles with a clear liquid;
  • Hemorrhagic form – vesicles with bloody fluid, in place of which scars remain.
  • The gangrenous form leaves hard-to-heal ulcers and rough scars.

Causes

Infections that are present in the body in a dormant state are activated. The following factors provoke the development of the process:

  • Immunosuppressive drugs;
  • Heavy workload, stress;
  • Cancer processes;
  • Radiation therapy;
  • HIV;
  • Organ transplant.

Repeated episodes require special attention, as rashes are often localized at the site of the tumor. The development of shingles goes through certain stages.

Early disease

From the incubation to the active period takes about four days. At this time there is:

  • Malaise, weakness. chills;
  • Pain;
  • Temperature increase;
  • Burning and itching;
  • Enlarged lymph nodes;
  • Possible disorders of the organs and systems of the body.

Subsequently, the disturbances subside.

Eruption period

The type of rash depends on the severity of the disease. At the initial stage, the rash looks like small pink spots located on healthy skin.

If the process develops typically, then the next day they are replaced by bubbles with a clear liquid – grouped vesicles. After 3 days, their contents become cloudy. Rashes occur in jerks, with interruptions of several days.

If a severe gangrenous form develops, then the filling of the vesicles may be mixed with blood. It seems that the bubbles move to another place, located around the body.

If the form of inflammation is mild, the manifestation of the disease can only be neurological in nature, when the patient feels pain, but there is no rash. This is herpetic neuralgia.

Crust

As a rule, after 2-3 weeks from the onset of rashes, crusts form. The areas of rashes turn pale and dry up. In place of the fallen crusts, a slight pigmentation remains.

Herpes zoster diagnosis

With a pronounced manifestation of skin forms of the disease, it is not difficult to make a diagnosis. Errors occur at the initial stage, when angina pectoris, pulmonary infarction, pleurisy, acute appendicitis are mistakenly diagnosed.

Laboratory confirm the diagnosis using a microscope or immunofluorescent method. In general practice, laboratory diagnostics is not used.

How to treat an infection?

If young people who do not have chronic diseases are sick, then treatment is not carried out. The disease will completely disappear within a month. To eliminate the pain of herpes, the doctor may prescribe painkillers. With intense pain, painkillers are used along with antiviral drugs. It is possible to use non-steroidal drugs. Assign antiherpetic drugs in tablets, creams, ointments or intramuscular injections.

What are antivirals used for?

The goal is to avoid the development of complications. Antiherpetic treatment helps the rapid healing of ulcers and improves the patient’s condition.

The course of treatment and dosage of drugs is determined by the doctor, taking into account the general condition of the patient. On average, the treatment time does not exceed 10 days.

If a gangrenous form develops with a bacterial infection, antibiotics, immunomodulators, physiotherapy and vitamins are prescribed.

As for the treatment of rashes, there are different opinions about the use of drying agents. In any case, they should be used with caution so as not to worsen the condition of the skin with a burn.

Do not use hormonal drugs, as they suppress the immune system.

Treatment of the disease in elderly patients is not always successful, since antiviral drugs do not justify themselves.

Possible consequences of herpes

  • Paralysis of the facial or other nerves.
  • Reduced vision.
  • Violations of the internal organs.
  • Disabling meningoencephalitis.
  • For bacterial infections, treatment is delayed for months.

Is shingles contagious?

Most often, cases of the development of the disease are recorded in the off-season. If a person has previously had chickenpox and has good immunity, then the likelihood of contracting infection through contact with a patient is minimal.

If immunity to the herpes virus is weakened or not formed, then there is a chance of getting sick upon contact, including again.

When lichen is transmitted

  • A sick person can infect those who have not had chickenpox – adults and children.
  • In the presence of strong immunity and good health, the probability of getting infected is zero.
  • Most often children get sick.
  • Almost anyone can get shingles if their defenses are weakened.
  • Viral during the formation of fresh blisters. During the formation of crusts, there is no danger of infection.

Disease prevention

It is necessary to isolate the sick, avoid contact with the sick (applies to those who have not had chickenpox), observe hygiene rules, and take measures to strengthen immunity.

Which doctor to contact with herpes zoster

You should first contact a therapist, then an infectious disease specialist or a dermatologist. If the form of herpes is severe, the help of a neurologist is needed, if the eyes are affected, an ophthalmologist.

We recommend making an appointment at the neurological department of the clinic of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow). You will be examined by the best doctors, they will study the signs of the disease, determine the causative agent of the infection, make a diagnosis, consult, give clinical recommendations and prescribe an effective treatment.

Don’t put off going to a specialist! Specialists of the Neurological Department of the NCC No. 2 (CCH RAS) in Moscow remind you that any symptoms that disturb you are a reason for consulting a neurologist. In this case, the doctor will be able to recognize and stop the disease at an early stage, until the situation worsens and becomes irreversible. You can make an appointment with a neurologist by calling the clinic, as well as using the form on the website.

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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  • Shingles

EXPERT ASSISTANCE

  • herpes viruses
  • human papillomavirus
  • viral hepatitis
  • mycobacteriosis
  • HIV infection
  • intrauterine, parasitic and other infectious diseases

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 damage to 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 rashes.
● 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, it is necessary to 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.

Treatment of herpes zoster

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.
Pathogen 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. Such people are recommended to regularly come for examinations to a neurologist, to 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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ID-Clinic specialists accept patients by appointment. To choose a convenient date and time for visiting a doctor, leave a request in the form on this page, and we will contact you.

Cost of clinic services

Inspection

Get service

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 of a neurologist

3000 ₽

Tests

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031001

Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), qualitative DNA determination

390. 00 RUB

Other clinic services

Dermatologist

Chickenpox vaccination

Online consultation with a neurologist

Online consultation with an infectious disease specialist

  • SavchenkoMikhail Andreevich

    Infectionist,
    Hepatologist,
    Doctor of the first category,
    Candidate of Medical Sciences