What are the key symptoms of shingles on the scalp. How does shingles progress through different stages. What treatment options are available for managing shingles on the scalp. How can shingles be prevented, especially in high-risk individuals.

Understanding Shingles: Causes and Risk Factors

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. This condition typically manifests as painful rashes that can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp. Approximately one in three people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime, making it a relatively common condition.

What causes the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus? After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. However, certain factors can trigger its reactivation, leading to shingles. These risk factors include:

• Advanced age (50 years or older)
• Weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or certain cancers
• Use of immunosuppressant medications or steroids

Is shingles contagious? While shingles itself is not contagious, the fluid from the blisters contains the live varicella-zoster virus. If a person who has never had chickenpox or shingles comes into contact with this fluid, they may contract the virus and develop chickenpox.

Recognizing Shingles on the Scalp: Symptoms and Stages

Shingles on the scalp progresses through three distinct stages, each with its own characteristic symptoms and appearance. Understanding these stages can help in early recognition and prompt treatment.

Pre-eruptive Stage

The pre-eruptive stage marks the beginning of the shingles infection. During this phase, no visible rash is present, but individuals may experience:

• Tingling sensation on the scalp
• Redness in the affected area
• Pain or discomfort

Eruptive Stage

The eruptive stage is characterized by the appearance of the distinctive shingles rash. How does the rash develop during this stage?

1. Reddish patches appear on the scalp
2. Small bumps form within these patches
3. Blisters develop, typically clustering together in bands
4. After a few days, the blisters dry up and form yellowish scabs

It’s important to note that the appearance of shingles can vary depending on skin tone. On lighter skin, the rash typically appears red, while on darker skin tones, it may appear purple or grayish.

Post-eruptive Stage

In the post-eruptive stage, the rash begins to heal. However, some individuals may experience persistent pain even after the visible symptoms have resolved. This condition is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and can last for weeks, months, or even years, particularly in older adults.

Identifying Common Symptoms of Shingles on the Scalp

While the rash is the most recognizable symptom of shingles, several other symptoms often accompany the infection. These may include:

• Burning sensation
• Tingling
• Intense itching
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Swelling in the affected area

Can shingles on the scalp cause hair loss? While shingles itself doesn’t directly cause hair loss, severe cases or complications may lead to temporary hair loss in the affected area. This is usually temporary, and hair typically regrows once the infection has cleared.

Diagnosing Shingles: Methods and Considerations

Accurate diagnosis of shingles is crucial for timely and effective treatment. How do healthcare professionals diagnose shingles on the scalp?

1. Visual assessment: The characteristic rash and associated pain are often sufficient for diagnosis.
2. Medical history: Doctors will inquire about symptoms and potential risk factors.
3. Laboratory testing: In some cases, doctors may take a sample from the affected area or conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of the varicella-zoster virus.

Is it possible to mistake shingles for other skin conditions? Yes, shingles can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, particularly in its early stages. This is why a professional medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Shingles on the Scalp

While there is no cure for shingles, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and reduce the duration of the infection. What are the primary treatment approaches for shingles on the scalp?

• Antiviral medications: These drugs can help shorten the duration of the infection and reduce its severity when started early.
• Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort.
• Topical treatments: Calamine lotion or other soothing creams may provide relief from itching.
• Cool compresses: Applying cool, damp cloths to the affected area can help reduce pain and itching.

How long does shingles typically last? In most cases, shingles lasts for about 3 to 5 weeks. However, early treatment can help reduce this duration and prevent potential complications.

Preventing the Spread of Shingles: Precautions and Vaccines

While it’s not possible to completely prevent shingles, certain measures can reduce the risk of developing the condition or spreading the virus to others. What precautions should be taken?

• Cover blisters: This prevents the spread of the virus through blister fluid.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the affected area.
• Avoid contact with high-risk individuals: This includes pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.

Is there a vaccine for shingles? Yes, the Shingrix vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this vaccine for:

• Adults aged 50 and older
• Individuals 19 years and older with weakened immune systems

The Shingrix vaccine is approximately 90% effective in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. It is administered in two doses, providing long-lasting protection against the varicella-zoster virus reactivation.

Complications of Shingles: Understanding the Risks

While many cases of shingles resolve without significant issues, some individuals may experience complications. What are the potential complications of shingles on the scalp?

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): Persistent pain that continues after the rash has healed.
• Bacterial infections: Open blisters can become infected if not properly cared for.
• Vision problems: If shingles affects the area around the eye, it can lead to vision complications.
• Hearing issues: In rare cases, shingles near the ear can cause hearing loss or balance problems.

Who is at higher risk for complications? Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications from shingles.

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?

• Follow medical advice: Adhere to prescribed treatments and follow-up appointments.
• Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so finding effective stress-reduction techniques is important.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet and regular exercise can support overall health and immune function.
• Seek support: Join support groups or speak with a mental health professional if needed.

Can lifestyle changes help prevent shingles recurrence? While lifestyle changes alone cannot prevent shingles, maintaining a healthy immune system through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management may reduce the risk of reactivation.

Shingles on the scalp can be a painful and distressing condition, but with proper understanding, early recognition, and appropriate treatment, its impact can be minimized. By staying informed about the symptoms, stages, and available treatment options, individuals can better manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications. For those at higher risk, vaccination offers a powerful tool for prevention, significantly reducing the likelihood of developing shingles and its associated complications. As research continues, our understanding of shingles and our ability to manage and prevent it will only improve, offering hope for those affected by this common viral infection.

Shingles on the scalp: Pictures, symptoms, and more

Shingles is a viral infection that appears as painful rashes anywhere on the body, including the scalp. The same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus, is also responsible for causing shingles.

Approximately 1 out of 3 people in the United States develop shingles during their lifetime. Shingles mostly affects the chest or torso but can appear anywhere on the body.

As the rash progresses, blistering can occur. People may experience other symptoms accompanying the rash, such as burning, tingling, and fatigue. Early diagnosis means a doctor can prescribe antivirals and certain medications to help manage symptoms.

This article will discuss what shingles on the scalp looks like, other symptoms it can cause, and how to prevent it.

Typically infection with shingles leads to a rash. It goes through three stages and the scalp may look different.

Pre-eruptive stage

No rash is visible yet. Before the appearance of the rash on the scalp, many people experience tingling, redness, or pain in the area.

Eruptive stage

The skin develops reddish patches with some bumps appearing, but this stage is brief. Eventually, small blisters appear within hours or days.

The blisters generally cluster together, and the rash appears as bands across the affected area.

After a few days, the blisters dry up, leading to the formation of yellowish scabs. Scratching the scalp can cause the blisters to burst, and a person may be more susceptible to bacterial infections or scarring.

Shingles appears differently on different skin tones. Typically, it appears red on lighter skin, purple on dark brown skin, or even grayish on darker skin.

For most people, shingles lasts for about 3 to 5 weeks.

Post-eruptive stage

In some people, even after the rash disappears, the pain remains. It can lead to a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

PHN can last for weeks, months, or even years and mostly occurs in older people.

Pictures

The most common symptom of shingles is painful, blistering rashes. Other symptoms that accompany the rash include:

• burning
• tingling
• itching
• fever
• fatigue
• headaches
• swelling

Learn more about the symptoms of the early stages of shingles.

Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus causes shingles.

When the varicella-zoster virus first infects someone, it leads to a chickenpox infection. Once the infection resolves, the virus can remain undetectable and dormant in the body.

However, a weakening of the immune system can result in the reactivation of the virus, which can move and infect the skin again, only causing shingles this time.

Certain risk factors can increase a person’s chances of experiencing shingles, for example:

• having advanced age, the risk of getting shingles is most common among people aged 50 years or older
• having a weakened immune system as a result of the following:
  • HIV
  • certain cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia
  • taking certain medications, such as steroids or immunosuppressants

Doctors diagnose shingles mostly by a visual assessment. This is because the typical rash and accompanying pain is the main sign of shingles.

Doctors also take a medical history and enquire about other symptoms a person may be experiencing.

Laboratory testing can help confirm the diagnosis. Taking a sample of the affected area — for example, by scraping some fluid from the blisters — can help a doctor determine if the varicella-zoster infection is present. Bloodwork may also be beneficial for detecting the infection.

It is important to cover blisters, as the fluid within them contains the live varicella-zoster virus. If a person has never had chickenpox or shingles and encounters blister fluid, they may contract the virus.

However, they are likely to develop chickenpox rather than shingles.

Learn more about how to cover the rash.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends those over the age of 50 and those over the age of 19 with weakened immunity take the Shingrix vaccine. This course involves two doses.

The vaccine is approximately 90% effective in preventing shingles and PHN.

Learn more about some measures a person can take to prevent the spread of shingles.

Shingles is a skin condition that leads to the development of painful, blistering rashes anywhere on the body, including the scalp. People experiencing symptoms should consult a doctor, who may prescribe antivirals to shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms.

In most people, shingles do not last for more than 5 weeks. Several other treatment options are available that can reduce shingles-associated pain.

People with weakened immune systems or those above 50 years of age should consider taking the Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles and any complications of the condition.

Shingles on the scalp: Pictures, symptoms, and more

Shingles is a viral infection that appears as painful rashes anywhere on the body, including the scalp. The same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus, is also responsible for causing shingles.

Approximately 1 out of 3 people in the United States develop shingles during their lifetime. Shingles mostly affects the chest or torso but can appear anywhere on the body.

As the rash progresses, blistering can occur. People may experience other symptoms accompanying the rash, such as burning, tingling, and fatigue. Early diagnosis means a doctor can prescribe antivirals and certain medications to help manage symptoms.

This article will discuss what shingles on the scalp looks like, other symptoms it can cause, and how to prevent it.

Typically infection with shingles leads to a rash. It goes through three stages and the scalp may look different.

Pre-eruptive stage

No rash is visible yet. Before the appearance of the rash on the scalp, many people experience tingling, redness, or pain in the area.

Eruptive stage

The skin develops reddish patches with some bumps appearing, but this stage is brief. Eventually, small blisters appear within hours or days.

The blisters generally cluster together, and the rash appears as bands across the affected area.

After a few days, the blisters dry up, leading to the formation of yellowish scabs. Scratching the scalp can cause the blisters to burst, and a person may be more susceptible to bacterial infections or scarring.

Shingles appears differently on different skin tones. Typically, it appears red on lighter skin, purple on dark brown skin, or even grayish on darker skin.

For most people, shingles lasts for about 3 to 5 weeks.

Post-eruptive stage

In some people, even after the rash disappears, the pain remains. It can lead to a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

PHN can last for weeks, months, or even years and mostly occurs in older people.

Pictures

The most common symptom of shingles is painful, blistering rashes. Other symptoms that accompany the rash include:

• burning
• tingling
• itching
• fever
• fatigue
• headaches
• swelling

Learn more about the symptoms of the early stages of shingles.

Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus causes shingles.

When the varicella-zoster virus first infects someone, it leads to a chickenpox infection. Once the infection resolves, the virus can remain undetectable and dormant in the body.

However, a weakening of the immune system can result in the reactivation of the virus, which can move and infect the skin again, only causing shingles this time.

Certain risk factors can increase a person’s chances of experiencing shingles, for example:

• having advanced age, the risk of getting shingles is most common among people aged 50 years or older
• having a weakened immune system as a result of the following:
  • HIV
  • certain cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia
  • taking certain medications, such as steroids or immunosuppressants

Doctors diagnose shingles mostly by a visual assessment. This is because the typical rash and accompanying pain is the main sign of shingles.

Doctors also take a medical history and enquire about other symptoms a person may be experiencing.

Laboratory testing can help confirm the diagnosis. Taking a sample of the affected area — for example, by scraping some fluid from the blisters — can help a doctor determine if the varicella-zoster infection is present. Bloodwork may also be beneficial for detecting the infection.

It is important to cover blisters, as the fluid within them contains the live varicella-zoster virus. If a person has never had chickenpox or shingles and encounters blister fluid, they may contract the virus.

However, they are likely to develop chickenpox rather than shingles.

Learn more about how to cover the rash.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends those over the age of 50 and those over the age of 19 with weakened immunity take the Shingrix vaccine. This course involves two doses.

The vaccine is approximately 90% effective in preventing shingles and PHN.

Learn more about some measures a person can take to prevent the spread of shingles.

Shingles is a skin condition that leads to the development of painful, blistering rashes anywhere on the body, including the scalp. People experiencing symptoms should consult a doctor, who may prescribe antivirals to shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms.

In most people, shingles do not last for more than 5 weeks. Several other treatment options are available that can reduce shingles-associated pain.

People with weakened immune systems or those above 50 years of age should consider taking the Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles and any complications of the condition.

Postherpetic neuralgia – causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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  Postherpetic neuralgia: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

  Definition

  Postherpetic neuralgia is pain or abnormal sensory sensations associated with damage to the nervous system by the varicella-zoster virus.

  Causes of postherpetic neuralgia
  
  After suffering chicken pox (chickenpox), the human herpes virus type 3 – Varicella zoster virus ( Varicella zoster ) – from rashes on the skin and mucous membranes it can move to sensitive ganglia (nodes consisting of clusters of neurons) of the spinal nerves of the thoracic, lumbar levels or the trigeminal nerve. There, the virus can remain in a latent (inactive) state for decades. With a decrease in immunity (for example, against the background of viral diseases, chemotherapy, oncological diseases, glucocorticosteroid hormone therapy for systemic connective tissue diseases (rheumatic diseases)) the virus can become activated and cause the development of herpes zoster (shingles, Herpes zoster ) or trigeminal neuralgia.

  The disease begins with unilateral pain, burning sensation, increased skin sensitivity, after which, sometimes after 1-2 weeks, redness appears, and then blistering rashes on the skin. In 50% of patients, rashes are localized on the trunk (as a rule, along the intercostal spaces at the level of the thoracic spine, sometimes in the lumbar region, sacrum), in 20% – on the head (with damage to the trigeminal nerve, damage to the eyes, ears is possible), in 15% – on the hands, and 15% – on the legs. In most cases, over time, the pain goes away on its own – recovery occurs after 2-3 weeks, but sometimes (in about 20% of patients) a complication of herpes zoster develops – postherpetic neuralgia.

  Postherpetic neuralgia is rarely seen in children and young adults, but its frequency increases significantly in old age.

  The real prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia is unknown, since there is no single point of view on the time interval between rashes, the onset of pain, and the duration of the pain syndrome.

  Classification of postherpetic neuralgia

  0029 Herpes zoster .

  1. Acute herpetic neuralgia in which the pain lasts up to 30 days from the onset of the rash.
  2. Subacute herpetic neuralgia lasting 30-120 days after onset of rash.
  3. Postherpetic neuralgia in which pain persists for more than 120 days after the onset of the rash.

  Most patients recover completely within one year of the onset of pain, but in some, pain persists for years.

  Symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia

  The main complaint of patients is pain. It is characterized by varying intensity and frequency – from mild to extremely painful, from short-term to permanent. With herpes zoster, pain can spread beyond the localization of the rash. In the clinical picture of postherpetic neuralgia, the following types of pain can be distinguished:

  • constant pain that patients describe as dull, pressing or burning;
  • paroxysmal (paroxysmal) pain that comes on suddenly, sharp, shooting, stabbing;
  • allodynia – pain that occurs in response to even very weak stimuli that under normal circumstances do not cause pain – for example, to a light touch with a cold hand.

  Often patients note constant fatigue, lack of appetite, decreased mood, sleep disturbances.

  Some patients complain of intense itching, which is localized, as a rule, in the head and neck.

  Diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia

  At the onset of herpes zoster, when patients are only concerned about pain, the doctor may suspect heart disease, intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis. However, with the appearance of rashes, the diagnosis becomes obvious.

  The persistence of the pain syndrome after resolution of the rash indicates postherpetic neuralgia.

  Instrumental and laboratory diagnostics, as a rule, are not carried out.

  In atypical cases, a serological test 256 may be prescribed in combination with test No. 257 (IgM antibodies) for the diagnosis of chicken pox. In addition, these studies may be required to assess immunity to the virus.

  IgG antibodies to Varicella-Zoster virus (Varicella-Zoster Virus IgG, anti-VZV IgG, IgG antibodies to varicella-zoster virus)

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

  chickenpox; Human h…

  Up to 4 business days

  Available with house call

  RUB 965

  Add to cart

  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.

  chickenpox; Human herp…

  Up to 1 business day

  Available with house call

  1 050 RUB

  Add to cart

  Which doctors to contact
  
  Management of patients with postherpetic neuralgia is carried out

  neurologists

  ,

  internists

  , general practitioners, rarely infectious disease specialists.

  Treatment of postherpetic neuralgia

  Early antiviral therapy, especially in the first days after the onset of rashes, can reduce the severity or even prevent the development of postherpetic neuralgia.
  In the treatment of herpes zoster, various painkillers are also used. Note that the more severe the period of rashes, the greater the likelihood of chronic pain.

  Effective pain relief can positively influence the further course of postherpetic neuralgia.

  Strictly under the supervision of a doctor! In addition to traditional analgesics, anticonvulsants (anticonvulsants), tricyclic antidepressants are used to relieve pain at the stage of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.
  To restore the functions of the affected nerve, neurotropic vitamin preparations of group B are prescribed.

  Complications

  Like any chronic pain syndrome, the course of postherpetic neuralgia is complicated by a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients. Most of them note depressed mood, irritability, disturbed night sleep, general weakness.

  Prevention of postherpetic neuralgia

  Vaccination may be recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in people over 50 years of age, especially those at risk of developing the disease. Vaccines against Herpes zoster are not included in the National Immunization Schedule, and the decision on the advisability of their use in each individual patient is made by the doctor. In some cases, vaccination may be recommended for persons under 50 years of age.

  Sources:
  

  1. Federal clinical guidelines for the management of patients with herpes zoster. Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. 2015.
  2. Mendelevich E.G., Mendelevich S.V. Postherpetic neuralgia: therapeutic and prophylactic aspects and therapy with pregabalin // Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. 2014(2). pp. 57-61. DOI.

  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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  Herpes zoster – treatment in Pushkino, prices

  Usually, the word “shingles” in the head of the layman pops up associations with homeless animals or people leading an asocial lifestyle. But everything is not so simple – shingles has nothing to do with four-legged friends, and, unfortunately, no one is immune from its appearance. What is this disease, who is at risk, and what does chickenpox have to do with it?

  Shingles – a viral disease that provokes type 3 herpes – it is also the cause of chickenpox. This virus has one feature: when it enters the body and causes chicken pox, after a successful recovery it does not disappear, but is integrated into the genetic tissue of nerve cells and ceases to be active. As soon as a person’s immunity drops greatly, he can wake up. As a result, islets appear on the skin of the infected person from the accumulation of small watery vesicles, which are very painful and itchy. However, in shingles, the radius of damage is much larger: tissue around the spinal cord and peripheral nerves are affected. By the way, skin rashes are mainly localized along the nerves (most often it is the ternary nerve, that is, inflammation appears on the face, neck, and back of the head).

  Who is at risk?

  Shingles usually affects the elderly, but young people can also become its victims – for example, if the immune system is severely weakened, and the herpes virus present in the body is activated. This can happen as a result of severe stress, radiation therapy against cancer, after organ transplantation. Shingles is a frequent companion of HIV.

  The disease proceeds in several stages. First, pink spots appear on the skin, after a couple of days – bubbles, which after 2-3 days are replaced by drying crusts. With a mild form of lichen, only the outer endings can be affected – a person feels severe pain, but the skin remains clean.

  Is it possible to get shingles?

  Unfortunately, yes, especially in the off-season, when everyone’s immunity is weakened to one degree or another. If a person has previously had chickenpox and has a strong immune system, then the likelihood of contracting it is minimal. Shingles is most active during the period when fresh blisters have poured out on the skin. Children are especially vulnerable to lichen. So the patient must be isolated from others – this is the best preventive measure.

  Why is lichen dangerous?

  Since the infection affects the nervous tissue, it is impossible to ignore the problem – a person is tormented by severe pain.