Shingles | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is shingles?

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common infection of the nerves. It is caused by a virus. Shingles triggers a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, but it typically appears on only one side of the face or body. Burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching are early signs of the infection. Even after the rash is gone, the pain can continue for months, even years.

What causes shingles?

Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Skin sensitivity, tingling, itching, and/or pain in the area of the skin before the rash appears
• Rash, which typically appears after 1 to 5 days once symptoms begin and initially looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters
• Blisters typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clear up within 2 to 4 weeks 

Other early symptoms of shingles may include:

• Stomach upset
• Feeling ill
• Fever and/or chills
• Headache

The symptoms of shingles may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is shingles diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will do a complete physical exam and ask about your medical history, specifically about whether you have ever had chickenpox.

Your healthcare provider will likely know right away that it is shingles based on the unique rash. The rash usually appears one area on one side of the body or face. It appears as red spots, small fluid- or pus-filled vesicles, or scabs.

The healthcare provider may also take skin scrapings for testing.

How is shingles treated?

Specific treatment for shingles will be determined by your healthcare provider based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• How long the shingles have been present (some medicines are not as effective if given more than 2 to 3 days after the rash has appeared)
• Extent of the condition
• Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

There is no cure for shingles. It simply has to run its course. Treatment focuses on pain relief. Painkillers may help relieve some of the pain. Antiviral drugs may help lessen some of the symptoms and reduce nerve damage. Other treatments may include:

• Creams or lotions to help relieve itching
• Cool compresses applied to affected skin areas
• Antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir)
• Steroids
• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants

What are the complications of shingles?

Symptoms of shingles usually don’t last longer than 3 to 5 weeks. However, complications can happen. The main complications that can result from shingles include:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The most common complication of shingles is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This continuous, chronic pain lasts even after the skin lesions have healed. The pain may be severe in the area where the blisters were present. The affected skin may be very sensitive to heat and cold.
  If you had severe pain during the active rash or have impaired senses, you are at increased risk for PHN. The elderly are also at greater risk. Early treatment of shingles may prevent PHN. Pain relievers and steroid treatment may be used to treat the pain and inflammation. Other treatments include antiviral drugs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical agents.
• Bacterial infection. A bacterial infection of the skin where the rash happens is another complication. Rarely, infections can lead to more problems, such as tissue death and scarring. When an infection happens near or on the eyes, a corneal infection can happen. This can lead to temporary or permanent blindness.

Can shingles be prevented?

Two different vaccines are available to prevent shingles. Experts recommend vaccination for all adults 50 and older, even if you’ve had shingles before. Talk with your healthcare provider about the most appropriate time for you to get vaccinated, and which vaccine is best for you.  

When should I call my healthcare provider?

To reduce the severity and shorten the length of the illness, treatment must be started as soon as possible. If you think you have shingles, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Key points about shingles

• Shingles is a common viral infection of the nerves. It causes a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin.
• Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated.
• It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.
• Shingles starts with skin sensitivity, tingling, itching, and/or pain followed by rash that looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters.
• The rash is typically affects just one area on one side of the body or face.
• Treatment that is started as soon as possible helps reduce the severity of the disease.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

5 Ways to Treat Your Senior Loved One’s Shingles Pain

The Varicella zoster virus lies dormant in the body after causing chicken pox. In later years, seniors with weakened immune systems may experience another outbreak in the form of shingles. Along with taking prescription medications, at-home remedies help lessen the severity of the symptoms. Here are a few that Oshkosh caregivers can use to relieve their loved one’s discomfort.

1. OTC Lotions

In addition to drying out the blistered lesions, Caladryl lotion contains antihistamine. The common anti-allergy substance relieves some of the itching associated with the infection. Tea tree oil is another option that acts as a natural antimicrobial agent.

2. Cool Water Baths

Relaxing in the cool water of a bathtub decreases skin temperature and offers some relief from the irritating effects of shingles. After the bath, promptly dry the skin. However, remember to keep towels separate. Wash your loved one’s used towels, clothing and bed linens in hot water to prevent cross-contamination.

3.

Cool Moist Compresses

If the outbreak is limited, live-in Oshkosh, WI, caregivers can apply cool, wet towels to the area. Simply wet one or more towels with cool water, wring out the excess moisture and apply directly to the affected areas on your loved one’s skin. Moisten and reapply the towels as needed. Resist the urge to use ice water as this could irritate the skin further.

4. Pain Relieving Medications

When shingles erupts, the rash generally develops along neural pathways on the torso. The constant pain signals transmitted by the affected nerves can become excruciating. Under the guidance of a physician, you can give your senior loved one OTC or prescription-strength pain relief medications to minimize the discomfort caused by the painful rash.

5. Oral Supplements

During an outbreak, some common vitamin supplements have been shown to reduce the duration of the infection. The amino acid L-lysine and vitamin C inhibit the virus from replicating. The recommended dosage for lysine supplements is 1,500 to 3,000 milligrams per day. Vitamin B-12 is another useful vitamin because it protects sensitive nerve tissue. Recommended doses of the vitamin are 1,000 to 2,000 micrograms per day. Check with a doctor to see if this option is beneficial for your loved one.

It may also help to hire a reliable Oshkosh elderly care agency like Home Care Assistance to look after your loved one. In addition to helping seniors recover from illnesses like shingles, we provide comprehensive live-in and hourly home care to assist seniors with every aspect of daily life including bathing, grooming, cooking, and cleaning. Speak with a friendly Care Manager today by calling 920-710-CARE (2273). Don’t forget to schedule a no-obligation consultation when you call.

5 Ways to Treat Your Senior Loved One’s Shingles

The Varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox stays dormant in the body long after the illness subsides. In later life, the virus can become active and cause an illness known as shingles. The blistering rash develops along the nerve pathways across the torso, which makes the affliction itchy and uncomfortable. Antiviral medications help shorten the duration of the ailment while reducing the symptoms. However, there are a number of home remedies Dallas elderly care providers can try to ease the discomfort experienced by seniors. 

1. Take a Cool Bath

Sitting in a bath of cool water helps bring down the temperature of irritated skin and provides some sense of relief. Afterward, gently pat the skin dry and discourage seniors from scratching. Avoid contact with open blisters and wash clothing, linens and towels in hot water to prevent cross-contamination. 

2. Apply Cold Compresses

Cool wet compresses applied to affected skin areas is an alternative method of achieving topical relief. Simply wet a towel with cold water, wring out the excess moisture and apply it to the skin. Re-soak the towels as needed to provide ongoing relief. 

3. Drawn an Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal has long been touted as a method of relieving skin dryness and subsequent itch. Oatmeal bath products are commonly sold where bath and beauty items are located. Family caregivers can add the colloidal oatmeal to cool or room temperature water according to the package instructions. Pat the skin dry following the bath to avoid letting water set and infect the rash. 

4. Use Soothing Lotions

Caladryl lotion contains antihistamines and other soothing ingredients that help alleviate the discomfort of shingles. Tea tree oil is another option that prevents infection while promoting healing and sting relief. Use cotton balls to apply and wash hands thoroughly after each application. 

5. Take Pain Medications

Seniors may take oral OTC pain medications as recommended by a physician. Certain brands of OTC hydrocortisone creams and ointments also contain topical anesthetic medication ingredients, which include benzocaine. These formulas provide pain relief by interfering with nerve transmission.

In the event that you cannot look after your loved one fulltime after he or she contracts shingles or another illness, turn to Home Care Assistance for help. Our reliable Dallas respite caregivers will look after your loved one whenever you need time to take care of other matters or simply need time to yourself. Call (214) 363-3400 today to speak to an experienced Care Manager about our flexible live-in care, hourly, and respite care and set up a free consultation.

Shingles

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common infection of the nerves. It is caused by a virus. Shingles triggers a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, but it typically appears on only one side of the face or body. Burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching are early signs of the infection. Even after the rash is gone, the pain can continue for months, even years.

Causes

Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.

Symptoms

However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Skin sensitivity, tingling, itching, and/or pain in the area of the skin before the rash appears
• Rash, which appears after 1 to 5 days and initially looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters
• Blisters typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clear up within 2 to 4 weeks 

Other early symptoms of shingles may include:

• Stomach upset
• Feeling ill
• Fever and/or chills
• Headache

The symptoms of shingles may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your licensed health care provider for a diagnosis.

Treatment

Specific treatment for shingles will be determined by your health care provider based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the condition
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

There is no cure for shingles. It simply has to run its course. Treatment focuses on pain relief. Painkillers may help relieve some of the pain. Antiviral drugs may help lessen some of the symptoms and minimize nerve damage. Other treatments may include:

• Bed rest, especially during the early phase of shingles, and if fever is present
• Creams or lotions to help relieve itching
• Cool compresses applied to affected skin areas
• Antiviral medications (such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir)
• Steroids
• Antidepressants
• Anticonvulsants

Visit with a Virtual Care health care provider online for help with your symptoms.

Treatment of Shingles – Dr. Weil’s Condition Care Guide

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What is shingles?
Shingles are small, fluid-filled blisters similar to chickenpox. An attack of shingles comes from a reactivation of the same varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. The virus usually lies dormant in the nervous system of the body for several decades. No one knows why it suddenly becomes active, but 10 to 20 percent of those who have had chickenpox as children will someday develop shingles. The risk increases with age. Of the one million cases that occur in the United States every year, about half are in people over 60.

What are the symptoms of shingles?
Shingles usually begins with an itch, a tingling sensation, or a stabbing pain, usually in the skin of the torso or the face on one side of the body. A few days later, a rash develops along the affected area as fluid-filled blisters similar to chickenpox that then dry out and crust. In its early stages, the condition can cause intense pain without any blisters, which means it is often misdiagnosed as a pulled muscle or some other painful condition. Shingles usually runs its course in three to five weeks.

Although it is possible to get shingles more than once, this happens in only one to five percent of patients, usually those whose immune systems are compromised. These cases can occur many years after the first episode and tend not to develop in the same area of the body as the first bout. Most people who appear to experience multiple episodes of shingles are probably experiencing infections with a related virus, which cause sores similar to shingles.

Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles that affects the nerve fibers and skin and can be extremely painful. It typically occurs after the rash has resolved. The symptoms are typically confined to the area where the shingles occurred and may include a sharp, burning or deep, aching pain; extreme sensitivity to touch and temperature change; itching and numbness. These problems can go on for months, in some cases years, and are most likely to occur among older people. In fact, the older you are when you develop shingles, the more likely you are to develop postherpetic neuralgia. This complication rarely occurs before the age of 50, but develops in at least 50 percent of shingles patients over 60 and in almost 75 percent of those 70 or older.

Shingles can also lead to other potentially dangerous nervous system complications, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and spinal fluid (meningitis). If shingles occurs on the face, it can cause hearing problems and temporary or permanent blindness. Loss of facial movement (paralysis) is possible as well. If blisters aren’t properly treated, bacterial skin infections can also become an issue.

What are the causes?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, from the family of herpes viruses that also causes cold sores and genital lesions. Many of these viruses can reside in dormant states in the nervous system. If the body’s immune response does not completely destroy the virus, the right conditions can allow them to travel along the path of the nerves up to the skin’s surface.

It is uncertain what causes the reactivation, but more than likely, having a decreased immunity is one of the predisposing factors. Shingles is much more common in older adults (whose immune systems become weaker with age) and in those whose immunity is suppressed. Heightened emotional or physical stress can also play a part in increasing the incidence of shingles.

A person with active blisters can infect anyone who hasn’t previously had chickenpox. This usually occurs through direct contact with open sores. Once exposed, the person will develop chickenpox, not shingles (although the shingles may come later in life, as they did for the person who passed along the infection).

It’s important for individuals with an immune deficient condition (such as HIV, AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant recipients and organ donor patients) or those on immune suppressive therapy – such as steroids and other immune modulating drugs – to avoid physical contact with people who have shingles until the blisters completely crust over. Also, infants up to three months of age and pregnant women who have never before had the chickenpox should also be kept from such contact.

What is the conventional treatment?
Conventional medicine often treats shingles conservatively with symptomatic medications for pain and itching. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, prescription narcotics, and sometimes steroids can be used for pain control, while antihistamines are often recommended for the itch. High doses of antiviral drugs like acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) or famciclovir (Famvir) can be used to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. They work best when started within the first two days of the rash. Prompt treatment can not only ease discomfort, but can also reduce risk of complications.

Postherpetic neuralgia can be treated with a variety of therapies: skin patches that release the anesthetic lidocaine and relieve pain for four to 12 hours are often beneficial. Antidepressants in doses smaller than those used to treat depression, especially tricyclics like amitryptaline (Elavil), seem to make the pain easier to tolerate. Other conventional options are anticonvulsant drugs such as gabapentin (Neurontin), prescription narcotics, and TENS units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), which involve placing electrodes in the painful area to deliver tiny electrical impulses to nearby nerve pathways.

Neurological and ocular complications are emergencies that demand prompt medical attention.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend?
Dr. Weil knows of no vitamins or supplement regimen to prevent shingles. Acupuncture and hypnosis can help relieve pain, either the acute pain of early onset, or the residual pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. You can also use topical capsaicin (the substance that makes red chilies hot). This depletes nerve cells of “substance P,” a natural chemical that is involved in sending pain signals to the brain. Rub the cream on the affected area of skin three times a day. It may hurt more during the first few days of application, but pain will resolve over time.

Capsaicin cream is sold over-the-counter as Zostrix or Capzasin-P. Another way to deplete substance P and potentially gain relief from the itching is to expose the affected skin to hot water for 30-60 seconds. This works very well for contact dermatitis from plants like poison ivy, and may be effective here as well. A third topical therapy is turmeric paste. To make this Ayurvedic remedy: use 1/2 cup of turmeric with 1 cup of water (add 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of ground black pepper, optional) then boil this mixture into a paste for at least 8 minutes (you may have to add more water). Let cool before using. Be aware that turmeric can stain clothes and plastic container, so be careful when applying to affected area.

In addition, a vaccine to prevent shingles has been recently approved by the FDA for use in people age 60 and older. The new vaccine, Zostavax, isn’t perfect – it works about 50 percent of the time. However, people who developed shingles despite receiving the vaccine seemed to have less severe cases than did those who got the placebo. Zostavax did prevent postherpetic neuralgia in 67 percent of the people studied. The vaccine seemed to be most effective in people 60-69 years old but also provided some protection for older groups. Side effects were mostly redness, soreness, swelling or itching at the injection site and headache. The vaccine is somewhat expensive – typically between $150 to $200.

Having had an unpleasant case of shingles, Dr. Weil is inclined to recommend the vaccine for those at risk.

Shingles | PeaceHealth

Topic Overview

What is shingles?

Shingles is a painful skin rash. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Shingles usually appears in a band, a strip, or a small area on one side of the face or body. It is also called herpes zoster.

Shingles is most common in older adults and people who have weak immune systems because of stress, injury, certain medicines, or other reasons. Most people who get shingles will get better and will not get it again. But it is possible to get shingles more than once.

What causes shingles?

Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox starts up again in your body. After you get better from chickenpox, the virus “sleeps” (is dormant) in your nerve roots. In some people, it stays dormant forever. In others, the virus “wakes up” when disease, stress, or aging weakens the immune system. Some medicines may trigger the virus to wake up and cause a shingles rash. It is not clear why this happens. But after the virus becomes active again, it can only cause shingles, not chickenpox.

You can’t catch shingles from someone else who has shingles. But there is a small chance that a person with a shingles rash can spread the virus to another person who hasn’t had chickenpox and who hasn’t gotten the chickenpox vaccine.

What are the symptoms?

Shingles symptoms happen in stages. At first you may have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also feel like you have the flu but not have a fever.

Later, you may feel itching, tingling, or pain in a certain area. That’s where a band, strip, or small area of rash may occur a few days later. The rash turns into clusters of blisters. The blisters fill with fluid and then crust over. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the blisters to heal, and they may leave scars. Some people only get a mild rash. And some do not get a rash at all.

It’s possible that you could also feel dizzy or weak. Or you could have pain or a rash on your face, changes in your vision, changes in how well you can think, or a rash that spreads. A rash or blisters on your face, especially near an eye or on the tip of your nose, can be a warning of eye problems.

Call your doctor now if you think you may have shingles. It’s best to get early treatment. Medicine can help your symptoms get better sooner. And if you have shingles near your eye or nose, see your doctor right away. Shingles that gets into the eye can cause permanent eye damage.

How is shingles treated?

Shingles is treated with medicines. These medicines include antiviral medicines and medicines for pain.

See your doctor right away if you think you may have shingles. Starting antiviral medicine right away can help your rash heal faster and be less painful. And you may need prescription pain medicine if your case of shingles is very painful.

Good home care also can help you feel better faster. Take care of skin sores, and keep them clean. Take your medicines as directed. If you are bothered by pain, tell your doctor. Other treatments may help with intense pain.

Who gets shingles?

Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. You have a greater chance of getting shingles if you are older than 50 or if you have a weak immune system.

There is a shingles vaccine for adults. It lowers your chances of getting shingles and prevents long-term pain that can occur after shingles. And if you do get shingles, having the vaccine makes it more likely that you will have less pain and your rash will clear up more quickly.

Cause

Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, a type of herpes virus that causes chickenpox. After you have had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in your nerve roots and remains inactive until, in some people, it flares up again. If the virus becomes active again, you may get a rash that occurs only in the area of the affected nerve. This rash is called shingles.

Anyone who has had even a mild case of chickenpox can get shingles. This includes children.

Transmission

Exposure to shingles will not cause you to get shingles. But if you have not had chickenpox and have not gotten the chickenpox vaccine, you can get chickenpox if you are exposed to shingles. Someone who has shingles can expose you to the virus if you come into contact with the fluid in the shingles blisters.

If you are having an active outbreak of shingles, you can help prevent the spread of the virus to other people. Cover any fluid-filled blisters that are on a part of your body that isn’t covered with clothes. Choose a type of dressing that absorbs fluid and protects the sores.

Symptoms

When the virus that causes chickenpox reactivates, it causes shingles. Early symptoms of shingles include headache, sensitivity to light, and flu-like symptoms without a fever. You may then feel itching, tingling, or pain where a band, strip, or small area of rash may appear several days or weeks later. A rash can appear anywhere on the body but will be on only one side of the body, the left or right. The rash will first form blisters, then scab over, and finally clear up over a few weeks. This band of pain and rash is the clearest sign of shingles.

The rash caused by shingles is more painful than itchy. The nerve roots that supply sensation to your skin run in pathways on each side of your body. When the virus becomes reactivated, it travels up the nerve roots to the area of skin supplied by those specific nerve roots. This is why the rash can wrap around either the left or right side of your body, usually from the middle of your back toward your chest. It can also appear on your face around one eye. It is possible to have more than one area of rash on your body.

Shingles develops in stages:

Prodromal stage (before the rash appears)

• Pain, burning, tickling, tingling, and/or numbness occurs in the area around the affected nerves several days or weeks before a rash appears. The discomfort usually occurs on the chest or back, but it may occur on the belly, head, face, neck, or one arm or leg.
• Flu-like symptoms (usually without a fever), such as chills, stomachache, or diarrhea, may develop just before or along with the start of the rash.
• Swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes may occur.

Active stage (rash and blisters appear)

• A band, strip, or small area of rash appears. It can appear anywhere on the body but will be on only one side of the body, the left or right. Blisters will form. Fluid inside the blisters is clear at first but may become cloudy after 3 to 4 days. A few people won’t get a rash, or the rash will be mild.
• A rash may occur on the forehead, cheek, nose, and around one eye (herpes zoster ophthalmicus), which may threaten your sight unless you get prompt treatment.
• Pain, described as “piercing needles in the skin,” may occur along with the skin rash.
• Blisters may break open, ooze, and crust over in about 5 days. The rash heals in about 2 to 4 weeks, although some scars may remain.

Postherpetic neuralgia (chronic pain stage)

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles. It lasts for at least 30 days and may continue for months or years. Symptoms are:
  • Aching, burning, stabbing pain in the area of the earlier shingles rash.
  • Persistent pain that may linger for years.
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch.
• The pain associated with PHN most commonly affects the forehead or chest. This pain may make it difficult for the person to eat, sleep, and do daily activities. It may also lead to depression.

Shingles may be confused with other conditions that cause similar symptoms. The rash from shingles may be mistaken for an infection from herpes simplex virus (HSV), poison oak or ivy, impetigo, or scabies. The pain from PHN may feel like appendicitis, a heart attack, ulcers, or migraine headaches.

What Happens

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an attack of chickenpox, the virus remains in the tissues in your nerves. As you get older, or if you have an illness or stress that weakens your immune system, the virus may reappear in the form of shingles.

You may first have a headache, flu-like symptoms (usually without a fever), and sensitivity to light, followed by itching, tingling, or pain in the area where a rash may develop. The pain usually occurs several days or weeks before a rash appears on the left or right side of your body. The rash will be in a band, a strip, or a small area. In 3 to 5 days, the rash turns into fluid-filled blisters that ooze and crust over. The rash heals in about 2 to 4 weeks, although you may have long-lasting scars. A few people won’t get a rash, or the rash will be mild.

Most people who get shingles will not get the disease again.

Complications of shingles

Delaying or not getting medical treatment may increase your risk for complications. Complications of shingles include:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is pain that does not go away within 1 month. It may last for months or even years after shingles heals. It is more common in people age 50 and older and in people who have a weakened immune system due to another disease, such as diabetes or HIV infection.
• Disseminated zoster, which is a blistery rash that spreads over a large portion of the body and can affect the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, joints, and intestinal tract. Infection may spread to nerves that control movement, which may cause temporary weakness.
• Cranial nerve complications. If shingles affects the nerves originating in the brain (cranial nerves), complications may include:
  • Inflammation, pain, and loss of feeling in one or both eyes. The infection may threaten your vision. A rash may appear on the side and tip of the nose (Hutchinson’s sign).
  • Intense ear pain, a rash around the ear, mouth, face, neck, and scalp, and loss of movement in facial nerves (Ramsay Hunt syndrome). Other symptoms may include hearing loss, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. Loss of taste and dry mouth and eyes may also occur.
  • Inflammation, and possibly blockage, of blood vessels, which may lead to stroke.
• Scarring and skin discoloration.
• Bacterial infection of the blisters.
• Muscle weakness in the area of the infected skin before, during, or after the episode of shingles.

What Increases Your Risk

Things that increase risk for shingles include:

• Having had chickenpox. You must have had chickenpox to get shingles.
• Being older than 50.
• Having a weakened immune system due to another disease, such as diabetes or HIV infection.
• Experiencing stress or trauma.
• Having cancer or receiving treatment for cancer.
• Taking medicines that affect your immune system, such as steroids or medicines that are taken after having an organ transplant.

If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox, her baby has a high risk for shingles during his or her first 2 years of life. And if a baby gets chickenpox in the first year of life, he or she has a higher risk for shingles during childhood.^{footnote 1}

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of shingles that lasts for at least 30 days and may continue for months or years. You can reduce your risk for getting shingles and developing PHN by getting the shingles vaccine.

When should you call your doctor?

Call your doctor now if you:

• Have a rash or blisters on your face, especially near an eye or on the tip of your nose. This can be a warning of eye problems. Treatment can help prevent permanent eye damage.
• Think you have shingles. Early treatment with antiviral medicines may help reduce pain and prevent complications of shingles, such as disseminated zoster or postherpetic neuralgia.

If you still feel intense pain for more than 1 month after the skin heals, see your doctor to find out if you have postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Getting your pain under control right away may prevent nerve damage that may cause pain that lasts for months or years.

Exams and Tests

Doctors can usually identify shingles when they see an area of rash around the left or right side of your body. If a diagnosis of shingles is not clear, your doctor may order lab tests, most commonly herpes tests, on cells taken from a blister.

If there is reason to think that shingles is present, your doctor may not wait to do tests before treating you with antiviral medicines. Early treatment may help shorten the length of the illness and prevent complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.

Treatment Overview

There is no cure for shingles, but treatment may shorten the length of illness and prevent complications. Treatment options include:

• Antiviral medicines to reduce the pain and duration of shingles.
• Pain medicines, antidepressants, and topical creams to relieve long-term pain.

Initial treatment

As soon as you are diagnosed with shingles, your doctor probably will start treatment with antiviral medicines. If you begin medicines within the first 3 days of seeing the shingles rash, you have a lower chance of having later problems, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

The most common treatments for shingles include:

• Antiviral medicines, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir, to reduce the pain and the duration of shingles.
• Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help reduce pain during an attack of shingles. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Topical antibiotics, applied directly to the skin, to stop infection of the blisters.

For severe cases of shingles, some doctors may have their patients use corticosteroids along with antiviral medicines. But corticosteroids are not used very often for shingles. This is because studies show that taking a corticosteroid along with an antiviral medicine doesn’t help any more than just taking an antiviral medicine by itself.^{footnote 2}

Ongoing treatment

If you have pain that persists longer than a month after your shingles rash heals, your doctor may diagnose postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of shingles. PHN can cause pain for months or years. It affects 10 to 15 out of 100 people who have had shingles.^{footnote 3} Treatment to reduce the pain of postherpetic neuralgia includes:

• Antidepressant medicines, such as a tricyclic antidepressant (for example, amitriptyline).
• Topical anesthetics that include benzocaine, which are available in over-the-counter forms that you can apply directly to the skin for pain relief. Lidocaine patches, such as Lidoderm, are available only by prescription.
• Anticonvulsant medicines, such as gabapentin or pregabalin.
• Opioids, such as codeine.
• Other medicines that treat pain, such as gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant).

Topical creams containing capsaicin may provide some relief from pain. There is also a high-dose skin patch available by prescription (Qutenza) for postherpetic neuralgia. Capsaicin may irritate or burn the skin of some people, and it should be used with caution.

Treatment if the condition gets worse

In some cases, shingles causes long-term complications. Treatment depends on the specific complication.

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is persistent pain that lasts months or even years after the shingles rash heals. Certain medicines, such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids, can relieve pain. Most cases of PHN resolve within a year.
• Disseminated zoster is a blistery rash over a large portion of the body. It may affect the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, joints, and intestinal tract. Treatment may include both antiviral medicines to prevent the virus from multiplying and antibiotics to stop infection.
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is a rash on the forehead, cheek, nose, and around one eye, which could threaten your sight. You should seek prompt treatment from an ophthalmologist for this condition. Treatment may include rest, cool compresses, and antiviral medicines.
• If the shingles virus affects the nerves originating in the brain (cranial nerves), serious complications involving the face, eyes, nose, and brain can occur. Treatment depends on the nature and location of the complication.

Prevention

Anyone who has had chickenpox may get shingles later in life. But there is a vaccine that may help prevent shingles or make it less painful if you do get it.

Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for adults ages 50 and older, whether or not they’ve had shingles before. It is also recommended for adults who have already had a different type of shingles vaccine that is no longer used.

If you have never had chickenpox, you may avoid getting the virus that causes both chickenpox and later shingles by receiving the varicella vaccine.

If you have never had chickenpox and have never gotten the chickenpox vaccine, avoid contact with people who have shingles or chickenpox. Fluid from shingles blisters is contagious and can cause chickenpox (but not shingles) in people who have never had chickenpox and who have never gotten the chickenpox vaccine.

If you have shingles, avoid close contact with people until after the rash blisters heal. It is especially important to avoid contact with people who are at special risk from chickenpox, such as:

• Pregnant women, infants, children, or anyone who has never had chickenpox.
• Anyone who is currently ill.
• Anyone with a weak immune system who is unable to fight infection (such as someone with HIV infection or diabetes).

If you cover the shingles sores with a type of dressing that absorbs fluid and protects the sores, you can help prevent the spread of the virus to other people.

Home Treatment

You may reduce the duration and pain of shingles by:

• Taking good care of skin sores.
  • Avoid picking at and scratching blisters. If left alone, blisters will crust over and fall off naturally.
  • Use cool, moist compresses if they help ease discomfort. Lotions, such as calamine, may be applied after wet compresses.
  • Apply cornstarch or baking soda to help dry the sores so that they heal more quickly.
  • Soak crusted sores with tap water or Burow’s solution to help clean away crusts, decrease oozing, and dry and soothe the skin.
  • Ask your doctor about using topical creams to help relieve the inflammation caused by shingles.
  • If your skin becomes infected, ask your doctor about prescription antibiotic creams or ointments.
• Using medicines as prescribed to treat shingles or postherpetic neuralgia, which is pain that lasts for at least 30 days after the shingles rash heals.
• Using nonprescription pain medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help reduce pain during an attack of shingles or pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. If you are already taking a prescription pain medicine, talk with your doctor before using any over-the-counter pain medicine. Some prescription pain medicines have acetaminophen (Tylenol), and getting too much acetaminophen can be harmful. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

If home treatment doesn’t help with pain, talk with your doctor. Getting your pain under control right away may prevent nerve damage that may cause pain that lasts for months or years.

Medications

Medicines can help limit the pain and discomfort caused by shingles, shorten the time you have symptoms, and prevent the spread of the disease. Medicines also may reduce your chances of developing shingles complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) or disseminated zoster.

Medicine choices

Medicines to treat shingles when the rash is present (active stage) may include:

• Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help reduce pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Antiviral medicines, to reduce the pain and duration of shingles.
• Topical antibiotics, which are applied directly to the skin, to stop infection of the blisters.

Medicines to treat postherpetic neuralgia pain may include:

What to think about

For some people, nonprescription pain relievers (analgesics) are enough to help control pain caused by shingles or postherpetic neuralgia. But for others, stronger medicines may be needed. And if prescription medicines don’t help control your pain, you may need to see a pain specialist about other ways to treat PHN.

Other Treatment

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of shingles, is difficult to treat. Your doctor may recommend other treatments, along with medicines, to control the pain of PHN.

Other treatment choices

There are other treatments that may be used for shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. These treatments may help, but there is no clear evidence from studies that show how well these treatments work. These other treatments include:

Psychological therapies that help you tolerate long-term pain, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, may be helpful. These methods can include counseling as well as learning techniques that teach you to shift your focus of attention away from the pain, such as relaxation and breathing exercises.

For severe pain from PHN, you may need to see a pain management specialist. These doctors are trained to help with pain that doesn’t respond to medicines or usual treatments.

References

Citations

1. Gershon AA (2009). Varicella zoster virus. In RD Feigin et al., eds., Feigin and Cherry’s Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 6th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2077–2088. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
2. Chen N, et al. (2010). Corticosteroids for preventing postherpetic neuralgia (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (12).
3. Dubinsky RM, et al. (2004, reaffirmed 2008). Practice parameter: Treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. An evidence-based report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 63(6): 959–965.

Other Works Consulted

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). Prevention of herpes zoster: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR, 57(05): 1–30. Also available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5705a1.htm. [Erratum in MMWR, 57(28): 779. Also available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5728a5.htm.]
• Habif TP (2010). Herpes zoster. In Clinical Dermatology, A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy, 5th ed., pp. 479–490. Philadelphia: Mosby.
• Herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax) revisited (2010). Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 52(1339): 41.
• Wolff K, Johnson RA (2009). Varicella-zoster virus infections. In Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, 6th ed. , pp. 837–845. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical.

Credits

Current as of:
September 23, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine

Shingles in the Face & Eyes: Treatments That Actually Work

When you’re released to your home, there are plenty of things you can do to ease your discomfort. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends:

Cool compresses. A moist, damp towel placed over your closed eyes can relieve some of your pain.
Painkillers. If your doctor agrees, you can use medications like aspirin to ease distress.
Eye drops. Your doctor may suggest soothing drops to help your tissues knit back together.
Regardless of what you do at home, it’s crucial to stay in touch with your doctor as you heal. The infection is serious, and it pays to work with a professional to heal properly. Don’t attempt to treat the issue at home on your own without professional medical supervision.

Your body is crisscrossed with a network of nerves. After a bout of chickenpox, the virus that causes the condition can retreat into that nerve network. When one nerve branch is irritated by the chickenpox virus, it causes blisters. That outbreak is known as shingles. ^{(Learn more)}

In most people, the shingles blisters wrap around one side of the torso. But the blisters can appear on the face instead. ^{(Learn more)}

Shingles can also strike your eyes, and when that happens, it’s a medical emergency. The outbreak can cause temporary vision problems, and without treatment, those losses can become permanent. ^{(Learn more)}

Antiviral medication can help to reduce your symptoms and ease discomfort, but you’ll need to start treatment as soon as outbreaks begin. At-home care, including using cool compresses, may also be helpful. ^{(Learn more)}

If you’ve had chickenpox, you are at risk for shingles. A vaccine can help to reduce your likelihood of facing serious shingles complications. ^{(Learn more)}

What You Should Know About Shingles

You may not remember having the itchy, painful welts caused by chickenpox. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 99.5 percent of people born before 1980 were infected at one point or another. Anyone who has been infected is at risk for shingles.

When chickenpox infections fade, the virus that caused them does not. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and it’s a member of the herpes family. Like most herpes-based illnesses, VZV never really goes away. Instead, it lies dormant within your body.

VZV rests within your nerves, and during a shingles outbreak, the virus triggers inflammation and pain along a nerve band. The CDC says one in three people will get shingles. Most have just one outbreak, but some have repeated problems.

Mayo Clinic says shingles can cause more than pain. The condition can also cause:

• Persistent fatigue.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Sensitivity to light.

Typically, people with shingles will experience blisters along just one small area that wraps around the torso. But any part of the body served by nerves can get hit with shingles. Symptoms last for about two weeks before fading away.

When Shingles Strikes Your Face

Dozens of muscles line your face, and they help you talk, eat, blink, and wink. All those movements start with nerve impulses, and any nerve band can get hit with a shingles outbreak.

Just one side of the face is touched by the issue, and the blisters won’t spread. If you touch the bumps on one side of your face and then touch the other, you can’t spread the problem around. The virus sits within the nerves, far below the skin, and you can’t influence how the infection spreads.

Your shingles may appear on or around your eyelid, and that can make blinking difficult or painful. Sometimes, the tissues swell, and that makes it h
ard for you to open your eye.

Shingles Can Harm Your Eyes

Eyelid shingles can impact your vision and your comfort. But shingles can do even more. The virus can spread to tissues within the eye, and that can cause additional damage.

Researchers say 1 person in 100 can develop the ophthalmic version of shingles, and most who do are elderly. If you have the condition, you may visit your doctor complaining of:

• Vision changes.
• Pain.
• Redness in your eye.
• Welts around your eye.

It’s important to get help right away when shingles appears in your eye, says Mayo Clinic. Shingles can cause longstanding problems with your vision, and in some cases, it can cause blindness. The sooner you act, the better.

You’ll probably be encouraged to get help, experts say, as shingles within the eye are excruciating. You might describe the pain as itchy, burning, or stabbing. It doesn’t get better if you blink or rest. And it may feel worse with each passing day.

Shingles brings more than just extreme discomfort to the eyes. It can also weaken the structures within the eye, and that can increase your risk of other eye health problems. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says a case of shingles can up your risk of developing these issues:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Double vision

If the welts appear on your cornea, they can leave scars behind. Those marks can blur your vision for years to come.

How Eye Shingles Are Treated

You don’t have to endure shingles. With the help of your doctor, you can overcome the discomfort and help the outbreak to heal. You can also take some steps to reduce the frequency and severity of your outbreaks.

The key is to get help within three days of the start of an outbreak. That’s the moment at which your immune system is still strong but could use a little boost. Antiviral medications can tamp down the virus and send it back to the nerve root, so you’ll feel a bit more comfortable.

You’ll still be at risk for future outbreaks, as shingles can’t be cured. But the treatment can keep the excruciating pain and damage at bay.

Your doctor may ask you to spend a few days in the hospital. You’ll get around-the-clock care for your outbreak, and your doctor can watch the infection carefully and step in if sight-stealing complications appear.

When you’re released to your home, there are plenty of things you can do to ease your discomfort. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends:

• Cool compresses. A moist, damp towel placed over your closed eyes can relieve some of your pain.
• Painkillers. If your doctor agrees, you can use medications like aspirin to ease distress.
• Eye drops. Your doctor may suggest soothing drops to help your tissues knit back together.

Regardless of what you do at home, it’s crucial to stay in touch with your doctor as you heal. The infection is serious, and it pays to work with a professional to heal properly. Don’t attempt to treat the issue at home on your own without professional medical supervision.

Can You Prevent Shingles?

Shingles are caused by an outbreak of the chickenpox virus. You have two avenues to follow that lead to prevention, including avoidance and vaccines.

If you’ve never been exposed to the chickenpox virus, prevention is critical. That means you should avoid:

• Anyone with active chickenpox. The puss inside the chickenpox holds the virus, and it’s very contagious. Steer clear of anyone who has been diagnosed.Chickenpox is considered to be more contagious than shingles.
• Anyone with shingles. You can get shingles from someone with an outbreak, although it’s rare. If you’ve never been exposed, don’t take a chance.

  If the outbreak is in the blister phase, the person is contagious. Once the blisters crust over, the person is no longer contagious. If the person keeps their rash and blisters covered, the risk of spreading the virus is low.

Some people are more susceptible to contracting the virus. This includes people with certain autoimmune conditions as well as those with other conditions that suppress the immune system. People who take certain immunosuppressive medications are also at a higher risk.

Adults 50 and older can use a vaccine for protection. Experts agree that the vaccine isn’t perfect, and some people who get it still get sick later. But it can reduce your risk of an outbreak. Your doctor can tell you whether you should get it and when.

Aside from vaccination and avoidance, there is no other way to prevent shingles from attacking your body. But remember that if you notice tingling or pain along a nerve band, your doctor can help. Ask about the symptoms you see and get help as soon as you can.

References

Shingles (Herpes Zoster). (August 2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Shingles Burden and Trends. (August 2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Shingles. (May 2018). Mayo Clinic.

How to Treat Shingles on the Face. Medical News Today.

Managing Ophthalmic Herpes Zoster in Primary Care. (July 2005). BMJ.

Mayo Clinic Minute: What Are Eye Shingles? (April 2019). Mayo Clinic.

Shingles of the Eye Cases Are on the Rise. (May 2019). AARP.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Symptoms. (October 2019). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Shingles. (October 2018). National Institute on Aging.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Treatment. (October 2019). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

3 Things You Can Do About Shingles. (August 2016). Harvard Medical School.

The information provided on this page should not be used in place of information provided by a doctor or specialist. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy and Editorial Policy pages.

90,000 Treatment for lichen. Deka Clinic. in Moscow

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Some types of lichen are highly contagious, and can be transmitted to humans from other people and from animals. Others do not carry any threat of infection, but are also most often provoked by fungal microflora. In addition, there are varieties of lichen with a viral nature.

The causative agents of the disease can be:

• anthropophilic fungi affecting only humans;
• zooanthropophilic fungi affecting not only humans, but also animals;
• geophilic, penetrating the human body during contact with the ground;
• varicella-zoster virus.

Infectious species include lichen rosacea (or Gibert’s disease, pityriasis), ringworm and shingles. During the treatment of infectious lichen, safety measures should be taken: abandon the pool, bathhouse, and other common areas, severely limit water procedures at home, use a separate towel and utensils.

Non-infectious species are lichen planus, psoriasis, eczema. As for eczema, psoriasis, these diseases are formally included in this “lichen” category, but they are usually considered as independent pathologies that have internal classifications, their own symptomatology, and differ in the variability of the course.

Common types and their treatment

Pink lichen. The disease manifests itself as local inflammation in certain areas of the skin, where pinkish or pale brown spots of an oval-oblong or rounded shape and with a paler middle are formed. The spots are of different sizes from a couple of millimeters to 4 cm, they can peel off. The disease begins with the appearance of a “maternal” spot.

In this case, no specific treatment is carried out, lichen rosacea successfully passes on its own in about one and a half to two months, sometimes this period varies.To eliminate disturbing itching, you can take antihistamines such as Fenistil, and “raise” immunity with immunomodulators. The affected areas should not be soaked and steamed (it is better to exclude the ingress of water altogether, since spores are transferred with water to healthy areas of the body). It is allowed to treat the rash with antiseptics such as Chlorfillipt, the use of alcohol, iodine, salicylic acid, sulfur ointments is strongly discouraged.

Shingles. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (herpersvirus), the main site of localization is the region of the ribs.In childhood, this disease manifests itself as the familiar chickenpox. If a person has been ill once, a stable lifelong immunity is usually developed, the virus acquires a latent state. Exceptions are in cases where the body has a serious malfunction of the immune system.

In adults, symptoms such as severe itching, a rash in the form of bubbles filled with a clear liquid, severe pain, most often in the intercostal space, associated with affecting nerve endings are observed.Treatment consists of taking painkillers and antiviral drugs, lubricating the rash with an ointment such as Acyclovir.

Ringworm. This type is provoked by trichophyton fungi, transmitted not only from other people, but also from domestic animals. It is believed that a disease that is transmitted from an animal will last longer and more severely. After infection, pink spots appear on the scalp, with whitish scales in the center, small spots with indistinct outlines, slight itching may bother.Hair in the lesion breaks, thinns. In men, such lichen is observed even in the growth zone of the beard or mustache. A type of ringworm is microsporia.

Treatment involves “standard” measures: antifungal drugs, as well as local treatment of lesions with sulfur-salicylic or sulfur-tar ointment, iodine.

Other types of lichen (multi-colored, weeping, that is, psoriasis, scaly, or eczema, red) do not pose a threat of infection. Therapy may include antifungal and antihistamines, hormonal ointments, etc.d.

90,000 what types are there, how to treat at home

Ways of entry of the virus into the body

The disease, as a rule, is accompanied by the appearance of grouped vesicles on the mucous membranes and skin areas.

• Modern medicine has identified 8 varieties of the considered virus. And the role of some of them is still not completely clear: Herpes of the lips, also known as “cold sores”, is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
• Varicella zoster virus, which, when reactivated, causes shingles.

• Genital herpes is a type II virus.

• Cytomegalovirus – herpes type 5 and Epstein-Barr virus – herpes type 4.
• The significance of types 7 and 8 of the herpes virus is not fully understood, but it is believed that they are responsible for the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.

The herpes simplex virus will enter the body as early as childhood and may remain in a “dormant” state for a long time until a malfunction appears in the immune system.With the weakening of immunity, herpes begins to multiply rapidly, turning into an “active” state. Even “chickenpox” when infected is manifested acutely, with a vivid clinical picture, but then goes into a dormant state.

Chickenpox (chickenpox)

When communicating with a carrier of the disease, herpes is transmitted to a healthy person by airborne droplets. This path is the only one. From the moment of infection to the onset of the active phase (the appearance of rashes), as a rule, 2 days pass.In a person who has had smallpox, the virus settles in the body forever, but the antibodies produced successfully suppress its development.

Herpes on the lips

Known as the “labial” cold, this manifestation of the virus is in the form of bubbles. It should not be considered a consequence of a cold. Sometimes, to activate it, a person just needs to be nervous or to be in a state of severe stress.

Genital herpes

From the name it is clear that such a virus manifests itself on the genitals.Among the sick, the majority are representatives of the stronger sex. A sexually transmitted virus will first appear as local redness, and a little later – in the form of bubbles. After some time, small wounds will form at the site of the bubbles.

Shingles

This disease is a consequence of the activation of the varicella-zoster virus in the body. It usually coincides with a severe weakening of the immune system.First, in places where bubbles will soon appear, hypersensitivity occurs. At the next stage of the disease, many vesicular abscesses appear on the trunk. During the first 2 days, the size of the foci usually increases.

The effectiveness of herpes treatment at home

Correct use of antiviral drugs will allow you to successfully fight the virus at home. After taking them, the herpes virus will significantly reduce its activity.Immunostimulating drugs that can quickly raise the body’s immunity also have a high effect.

• Features of the treatment of herpes on the lips.

This disease can be effectively treated with special ointments or lipsticks. Their local application can quickly relieve itching from the affected area.

• Features of the treatment of genital herpes.

As in the previous case, it is advisable to use an ointment that relieves discomfort.

• Features of the treatment of shingles.

In this case, local therapy will consist of several stages:

• Itching-causing lesions should be treated with with a special solution or with ordinary brilliant green (these funds will help prevent suppuration).
• For permanent drying of bursting bubbles, foci of the disease should be treated with with special ointment .
• The use of painkillers will relieve pain, which is a reaction of nerve endings.

By constantly maintaining your immunity and avoiding stress, you can prevent the onset and development of the disease.

Chickenpox (chickenpox)

Chickenpox (chickenpox) is a highly contagious acute infectious disease that occurs with a characteristic blistering rash.

Children attending kindergarten or school – places with a large crowd of people – are more likely to get sick.

The disease is caused by one of the herpes viruses (herpesvirus type 3).Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease. The virus is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by airborne droplets (when talking, staying in one small room). With the current of air, chickenpox can spread over long distances (up to 20 m). Infection can also occur from a patient with shingles (caused by the same type of herpes virus). The virus is unstable in the external environment, therefore, the final disinfection after the patient is not carried out.

A person with chickenpox becomes contagious two days before the onset of the rash, and remains contagious for the first 5-7 days after the onset of the rash.

The incubation period of chickenpox is 7-21 days. The virus enters the human body through the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and pharynx. Then the virus spreads through the body by lymph and blood, penetrates the skin and mucous membranes, where it multiplies. The targets for the virus are cells of the spine layer of the skin and the epithelium of the mucous membranes. After primary infection, the virus resides for life in the neurons of the spinal ganglia, ganglia of the facial and trigeminal nerves. Like all herpes viruses, the varicella-zoster virus has the ability to suppress the immune system – which leads to a violation of the immune response in humoral and cellular types and a violation of the factors of innate resistance to infections.

Chickenpox immunity is non-sterile i.e. causes immunity to new infection and does not ensure the removal of the virus from the body. The virus resides for life in the spinal ganglia, the nuclei of the cranial nerves, which are associated with the areas of the skin most affected by primary infection. Reactivation of the virus occurs in conditions of weakened immunity in the form of herpes zoster.

Chickenpox symptoms in children

The disease manifests itself primarily in a febrile condition, a sharp increase in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees, a headache.The most prominent sign of chickenpox is a rash and itching.

Rash in the form of small, fluid-filled blisters, can cover a significant part of the body and mucous membranes. The bubbles burst rather quickly and turn into small sores, which must be treated with an aqueous solution of brilliant green or potassium permanganate, acyclovir and other ointments as prescribed by a doctor. As the rash heals, it becomes covered with a crust, which gradually disappears, thereby demonstrating recovery. Usually, the rash heals without a trace, but if it is combed, scars and scars may remain on the skin after healing.

In children, chickenpox occurs in a simpler form than in adults, who may suffer from complications in the future.

It is extremely rare that chickenpox can proceed without rashes and vesicles – in this case, additional specialist advice is needed to clarify the diagnosis.

Chickenpox treatment

Chickenpox usually goes away on its own within a week or 10 days. At the same time, the temperature can return to normal after two to three days, although, in some cases, it persists throughout the entire period of the illness.

Treatment of chickenpox is symptomatic (ie, the manifestations of the disease are treated: high fever, rash on the skin), since medicine at this stage does not know either ways to prevent or cure this disease. The goal of treatment is to prevent vesicles from suppurating. Greenery is perfect for this, you can use Castellani liquid, an aqueous solution of fucorcin or potassium permanganate, etc. Alcohol solutions are very painful for children.

Bathing a child with chickenpox is necessary to prevent the appearance of a secondary skin infection.In this case, you can not use a washcloth and it is better not to use soap, adding a weak solution of potassium permanganate to the bath. Create the most comfortable conditions for your baby’s skin: do not wear tight and tight clothes, use only cotton underwear.

If your child is worried about severe itching, tell the doctor about it: he will prescribe antiallergic drugs.

When the temperature rises above 38 ^about C, chills, the child should be given antipyretics (paracetomol, ibuprofen).

A patient with chickenpox is isolated at home for nine days from the onset of the disease. In preschool institutions, quarantine is established for 21 days.

Complications of chickenpox

Complications of chickenpox are rare and are most often associated with inaccurate treatment of rashes and their suppuration, which subsequently leads to scarring.

It is extremely rare that weakened children have severe forms of chickenpox with damage to the brain and internal organs.Such forms of the disease are treated in hospitals using special therapeutic methods.

Chickenpox vaccine and vaccine

The vaccine sufficiently protects against chickenpox and its complications. It is recommended for children aged 12 months and older, as well as adolescents and adults who have not previously had chickenpox and have not received vaccinations. The vaccine protects against disease for 10 years or more. In rare cases, people who have received the chickenpox vaccine can get chickenpox, but the disease is mild.

Currently, in the United States, Japan and some other countries, the chickenpox vaccine is compulsory for the admission of a child to a kindergarten. But in Russia vaccination of children against chickenpox has not yet become widespread, and this remains the choice of parents.

It is worth noting that some people with a weakened immune system (as a result of illness or taking medications that affect immunity) should not be vaccinated, as they may develop complications.Therefore, a patient with a weakened immune system should consult a doctor before receiving chickenpox vaccine.

Chickenpox in children

Chickenpox or chickenpox today remains one of the most common infectious diseases affecting children aged six months to ten years.

Chickenpox or chickenpox today remains one of the most common infectious diseases affecting children aged six months to ten years.Chickenpox also affects adults, but less often and more severely.

How is chickenpox spread?

In a large children’s group, chickenpox can be epidemiological in nature and alternately affect each member of the group.

It is known that the disease is provoked by one of the herpes viruses and is highly contagious, although in most cases it is not dangerous. The virus quickly passes by airborne droplets from a sick person to a healthy one. At the same time, the person transmitting the disease may not experience symptoms of the disease at this moment.It can infect others for several days before the rash appears and the temperature rises. So it can sometimes be very difficult to track down the source of the disease in advance and prevent transmission.

Chickenpox is in an incubation period of one to three weeks, while symptoms may appear no earlier than seven days from the moment of infection, but no later than 21 days.

A person ceases to be contagious a week or ten days after the first onset of signs of chickenpox.

Chickenpox symptoms in children

The symptoms of chickenpox are similar in all children and adults.The disease begins quite abruptly with a rise in temperature, mainly up to 38 degrees, but sometimes up to 40 degrees, weakness and headaches are noted. But the main symptom of chickenpox is a profuse rash that spreads over the entire surface of the skin and even mucous membranes. The rash in the form of small bubbles with fluid is accompanied by severe itching, which children do not tolerate very well.

The main localization of the rash is the trunk, head (face and scalp), genitals, mouth.

The first signs of chickenpox are redness of the skin up to one centimeter in diameter.In their place, after a fairly short time, blisters with a transparent liquid appear, which subsequently transform and take the form of dried crusts.

The course of the disease is usually wave-like, so the rash may appear several times.

Treatment of chickenpox in children

Treatment of chickenpox in children and adults is aimed at overcoming unpleasant symptoms. The disease itself is not treated, but passes gradually and, as a rule, without a trace. Complications in children are rare; adults are much more susceptible to them.

Since children are prone to scratching the rash, the main treatment should be aimed at relieving itching and preventing the suppuration of ulcers and blisters. To do this, the skin is treated with a weak aqueous solution of brilliant green or potassium permanganate, fucrocin or Castellani liquid.

How to treat chickenpox in children and what to use to achieve an optimal result is a purely individual question, which should be decided by parents together with the attending physician.

Chickenpox in infants

Any child from the age of six months can get chickenpox.As a rule, the course of the disease in an infant is quite complex – babies do not tolerate the symptoms of chickenpox well and need careful care and constant attention from the mother.

Chickenpox in newborns is manifested by the same symptoms as in older children. However, in a particularly complex form, chickenpox can cause serious harm to the body, affecting the development of internal organs. Treatment of chickenpox in infants should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.

Chickenpox vaccine

Doctors recommend that children over 12 months of age be vaccinated against chickenpox.It effectively protects the body from this disease for several years.

It is worth saying, however, that a number of experts are of the opinion that it is worth getting chickenpox in childhood and getting immunity for life, rather than facing this disease in adulthood and suffering from dangerous

Chickenpox in adults

Chickenpox in adults develops and proceeds as rapidly as in children, but more severe and often gives complications.

Adults who have not had chickenpox in childhood are at risk of getting sick at an age when the course of this disease and its consequences can be very serious.

How is chickenpox spread in adults?

Chickenpox, or chickenpox, is a disease that is actively transmitted from a sick person to a healthy airborne droplet. It is rather difficult to protect yourself and your family from it, because it is not always possible to “catch” the moment and understand that communication with this or that person will lead to illness.

Chickenpox in adults develops and proceeds as rapidly as in children, after 7-21 days of the incubation period.

A person remains infectious for about a week after symptoms first appear.

Chickenpox symptoms in adults

The symptoms of chickenpox in adults are identical to those of the disease in children. The temperature rises sharply, a fever develops – weakness, headache, impaired appetite and sleep.At first, intense redness of the skin appears throughout the body, and then a rash, which is accompanied by severe itching. The rash can cover the torso and back, face and scalp, mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals. It is extremely rare that chickenpox can occur without a profuse rash, but the percentage of such cases is negligible.

The manifestation of symptoms of chickenpox in adults occurs in waves – a rash and high fever appear several times during the week.

The rash usually goes away without a trace – if not touched or combed.Otherwise, foci of suppuration may occur, and after their healing, scars and scars may remain.

Treatment of chickenpox in adults

Chickenpox is a disease that usually goes away by itself without specific treatment. However, the symptoms of this disease require attention. Basically, this concerns itching and rash, which must be periodically treated with a weak aqueous solution of potassium permanganate or brilliant green, lubricated with acyclovir or other ointment prescribed by the attending physician.

Complications of chickenpox in adults

Chickenpox is dangerous for adults, first of all, complications – damage to internal organs, pneumonia. Chickenpox is also dangerous for pregnant women – the disease can affect the child and lead to serious prenatal pathologies. Therefore, in adulthood, the treatment of chickenpox should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist and only with those drugs that he prescribes.

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Deprive in dogs 🐶 – types, symptoms and signs of pet infection

Main signs of infection with deprive in dogs:

1. Areas of broken and dry hair with loss of shine.
2. Focal rounded alopecia.
3. Light-colored crusts and scales on the affected skin areas.
4. Focal peeling of the skin.
5. Rounded areas on the skin with sparse hair.
6. For severe lesions – multiple baldness and hair damage.
7. Well-defined bumpy areas of alopecia with a crust.
8. When hair follicles are involved in the inflammatory process and the development of streptococci, pustules and papules are formed.
9. With the development of secondary microflora – redness and maceration of the skin in the affected areas, itching.
10. Dermatophytosis of the dorsum of the nose leads to the appearance of alopecia with inflammation of the skin and itching on the dorsum of the nose near the nose.
11. Scars on the skin with deep dermatophytosis after healing.

The classic form of lichen in dogs is manifested by rounded baldness with a rim on the border of the affected and healthy coat and scales in the form of “cigarette ash”.In this form, lesions are more common on the ears and feet, less often on the face, thighs and abdomen.

Trichophytosis (versicolor, which is caused by the fungus Trichophyton), in addition to superficial changes in the skin, leads to focal inflammation of the follicles and furunculosis (inflammation of the hair follicles), usually on one limb, subsequently with the formation of thickened areas of the skin without hair – scars.

Some fungi of the genus Microsporum cause seborrhea over the entire surface of the dog’s skin and small red blisters and swelling in the muzzle.

The defeat of the claws and fingers with dermatophytes is called onychomycosis. The skin on the paw pads becomes thickened, uneven, the growth of the claw is disturbed, the claw plate with exfoliation and scales.

A deep and widespread form of lichen in a dog is noted with reduced immunity and various chronic diseases and disorders, when inflammation affects all three layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue) with the appearance of exudation (weeping areas). A severe form of lichen and a long course of the disease is complicated by a bacterial infection.In puppies and young dogs, dermatophytosis can occur along with demodicosis.

Self-licking, scratching the dog, treating the affected areas with ointments and antiseptic solutions in the absence of diagnosis, frequent washing and grooming of the pet can lead to the appearance of a blurred clinical picture with lichen.

Latent lichen in dogs (without clinical signs, when it is difficult to detect any changes during external examination) can be observed in adult dogs with good local immunity.In this case, the mycelium and spores of the fungus are present on the skin and coat of the dog, being a source of fungal infection for the owner and other animals, as well as contamination of the environment with pathogenic spores.

If signs of baldness and a violation of the coat appear, especially in puppies, the pet should be shown to a veterinarian dermatologist.

Photo of lichen in dogs

Shingles (shingles) – VEM rental at home

In this article, we will learn in detail What is the Fire of Sant’Antonio, or Herpes Zoster What are the symptoms and the remedy, but first of all we are going to find out the origin of the name of this disease.

Herpes zoster was once called the “flame of Satan” precisely because of the fiery redness and sharp pains that it caused.

Over the years, the most common name with which this disease is recognized has become “Fire of St. Anthony” because, according to legend, Sant’Antonio Abate used fire to free the city from invaders, but above all because it was a saint was implored by those who suffered from this disease.

Now that we have discovered why Herpes zoster is more commonly referred to as St. Anthony’s Fire , let’s find out what it is.

Contents of the article

Shingles: what is it?

Shingles is a skin disease that corresponds to a nervous infection and mainly affects adults and the elderly.

But where does this disease come from? Almost all of us, as children, have had chickenpox, and the cause of the St. Anthony fire comes from the same virus that is affected by our immune system, but it is not completely defeated and remains inside our bodies until it reappears, taking advantage of the time when the immune defenses are weak.

In this case, the virus can recur as shingles.

Fire of St. Anthony, although does not appear in all subjects who have had chickenpox , but there are risk factors that can lead to reactivation of the virus, we find that:

• Old age
• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Autoimmune diseases
• Extensive use of certain drugs
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Reduced immune defenses
• Stress

Shingles manifests with pain Redness and tingling in certain parts of the body, followed after about 2 or 3 days spots appear on the affected area.

After days, around the fifth, bubbles of pus and crusts appear.

This is the infectious phase that ends when the scabs dry out.

Thus, the fire of St. Anthony manifests itself in two phases:

• Product phase: body pain, redness and symptoms such as fever or general malaise
• Disease expression: when red spots appear on the skin, which turn into blisters or blisters within a few days

The treatment of blisters and scab occurs between days 10 and 30 and can take place several times.

In the next paragraph we will find out in detail who I am symptoms are the most common and do not underestimate the fire of Sant’Antonio .

Symptoms of herpes Zoster

Symptoms of shingles are mainly the appearance of red spots and skin rashes , which turn into blisters, blisters and crusts throughout the day.

To accompany the red spots that appear in the first phase of the disease, there is an irritating itching caused by burning and redness.

These are not the only symptoms that can appear, in fact, herpes Zoster can cause fever, malaise and abdominal pain in some people, in some cases even headache and stomach.

In worst cases, symptoms Shingles can also occur on the face , but in these cases, the first thing to do is see a doctor.

If you think you have experienced the same symptoms mentioned above, advise you to see your doctor immediately for advice to understand if it is the fire of St. Anthony .

But how is St. Anthony’s Fire treated? Let’s find out in the next paragraph.

Herpes Z Acute therapy and care

There is no Zoster herpes, but antiviral drugs can be very helpful in fighting it First of all, they manage to make the attack shorter and less serious. In addition, antiviral drugs reduce the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia. Obviously, the faster the intervention, the higher the effectiveness of the treatment.

To make the disease less painful, medications may be linked to reduce the pain it causes.

The therapy serves primarily to relieve and reduce pain and irritating itching and burning while complete regression of the disease occurs between 2 and 4 weeks.

Obviously, when the first symptoms appear, the number one tip is to consult a doctor to start therapy as soon as possible.

Among the most common treatments for Herpes Zoster, we find skin protection with sterile gauze., Treatment involves the application of ointments and lotions to blistered areas of the body, in addition, the use of antihistamines and antiviral drugs is also included in the treatment. In more severe cases, the use of antibiotics is also recommended.

The use of antiviral drugs, when taken under the right conditions shortly after the onset of St. Anthony’s fire, accelerates healing and helps avoid complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. If the pain is severe and unbearable additional medications such as aspirin are prescribed to relieve stress.

conclusions

In this article, we discovered what Herpes Zoster is, what are the causes, symptoms and medicine. If you think you have the symptoms mentioned in the article, the number one tip is to consult your doctor.

Thank you for reading this informative guide and hope you find it helpful! If so, I invite you to share this article to help those looking for information about the disease!

home treatment with folk remedies

Shingles is a disease that manifests itself as a result of the activation of the varicella-zoster virus.In this case, red spots appear on the body, which are covered with blisters. Other symptoms also appear, for example, itching, painful feelings, etc. It is important to carry out treatment as early as possible in order to quickly cope with the disease and prevent complications.

Folk remedies can be used along with the medication prescribed by the doctor. Thanks to this, you can recover in a short period of time.

Shingles: treatment with folk remedies

To begin with, it is worth saying that the medicines offered by traditional medicine do not fight the cause of the disease, but only alleviate the patient’s condition, eliminating unpleasant symptoms.Folk remedies for herpes zoster are used as concomitant therapy for taking antiviral agents. Without the right medication, it will not be possible to cope with the disease.

Let’s consider the most effective and popular means.

• Compresses. With the help of local treatment, you can get rid of inflammation as well as painful sensations. Use the following methods to combat shingles:
• Burdock. Take a fresh plant leaf and grind it to make 2 tbsp.spoons. Pour 1 tbsp of the burdock. boiling water and leave to infuse for 40 minutes. Prepare a piece of natural cloth that fits the size of the affected area. Thoroughly moisten the fabric in the infusion, put it on the shingles and wrap with foil. Leave the compress overnight. Thanks to this, you can cope with inflammation and itching;
• Immortelle. For the procedure, take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of the plant and pour 200 g of boiling water over them. Cover and leave for an hour. Take a natural fabric, soak in the solution and apply to the damaged area for half an hour.Such a compress will remove unpleasant symptoms, and it also speeds up the healing process;
• Pumpkin. This orange vegetable is also used to treat herpes. Grind the pumpkin on a grater and put the resulting mass on cheesecloth, which should be placed on the problem area, and then fix it. Such compresses should be done at night every day. The course consists of 10 procedures;
• Calendula and mint. To relieve symptoms, you must mix 3 tbsp. spoons of mint leaves and calendula flowers.Fill them with 1 tbsp. hot water and leave in a water bath for an hour. Use the resulting infusion for lotions. This can be done up to several times a day;
• Soda and salt. Describing the methods of treatment for herpes zoster, one cannot fail to mention this simple method: mix 2 tbsp. tablespoons of baking soda and salt, and then, add a few drops of water and stir to make a thick paste. Use it to treat skin affected by herpes up to twice a day. Good results will be visible as early as 4-5 days.

If it is not possible to carry out treatment with any of the presented means, then you can relieve severe itching with the help of an ordinary ice cube, which should be applied to the affected area for 10 minutes.

Means with a healing effect. In order to speed up the process of skin regeneration, there are special folk remedies that improve regeneration.

Treatment of herpes is carried out using the following popular recipes:

1. Apple cider vinegar.You need to take undiluted vinegar made from apples, soak a piece of natural cloth in it and apply it to the affected areas. This procedure should be carried out 5-6 times a day. Apple cider vinegar has a vivid bactericidal and healing effect, and it also perfectly removes unpleasant symptoms;
2. Hydrogen peroxide. This liquid is found in almost every medicine cabinet, and it has a healing and antimicrobial effect. To improve the healing of wounds from herpes, it is necessary to soak a gauze cloth in hydrogen peroxide and lubricate the affected areas with it;
3. Aloe.This plant is often used in the treatment of various diseases with folk remedies. This recipe is allowed to be used when the treatment comes to an end and the blisters have burst and dried up. It is necessary to cut off the wide leaves and cut them in the middle to get a juicy pulp. Attach them with the cut down to problem areas, secure with a bandage and leave overnight. Carry out such procedures every other day;
4. Sulfur. To treat herpes, mix equal proportions of sulfuric ointment and glycerin solution.Apply the prepared mixture to the skin every seven days. Sulfur has an anti-inflammatory effect, and glycerin softens the skin and promotes its healing;
5. Starch. You can remove shingles from the body with the help of a healing bath, for which take warm water and add 1 tbsp. starch. It must be taken within 15 minutes. This procedure is carried out up to twice a week.

Treatment with antiviral agents. To achieve good results, it is necessary to carry out treatment not only outside, but also inside.Consider a few effective recipes:

• Melissa. If shingles is found, then prepare an infusion of lemon balm, which has antiviral and bactericidal action. Take 4 tbsp. tablespoons of herbs and pour boiling water over it. Insist until cooling, and then, take orally 2-3 times a day;
• Garlic. This vegetable is considered to be an excellent method of fighting the virus, which can speed up the healing process. Chop the garlic and add 100 ml of castor oil to it.Use the product twice a day;
• Burdock. A medicinal tea is made from this plant, which copes well with viruses and bacteria. Pour the burdock with 1 tbsp. hot water and leave for half an hour. Drinking a drink is necessary throughout the entire process of treating deprivation with medications;
• Mother and stepmother. This plant helps to quickly cope with inflammation. Chop the leaves of coltsfoot and take 2 tbsp. spoons. Fill them with 1 tbsp. boiling water and leave for 15 minutes.Take this medicine in 1 tbsp. spoon after meals twice a day;
• Tar. Treatment can be carried out with this remedy, which should lubricate problem areas throughout the disease.

Means for strengthening the immune system. Herpes manifests itself when the body is weakened and lacks vitamins and minerals, so it is necessary to work on strengthening the immune system. For this purpose, use the following means:

1. Propolis. Propolis tincture helps to restore the protective functions of the body.To prepare it, take 20 g of propolis and fill it with 100 g of medical alcohol intended for internal use. Insist for 10 days in a dark place, shaking the container occasionally. After that, add 10-15 drops of tincture to drinks 3 times per knock;
2. Ginger. Lichen is treated with this tincture: take 200 g of ginger root, grind and pour 800 ml of vodka. Place in a dark place for two weeks. Then strain and take in the morning with warm water.

We have presented to your attention the most common folk remedies for the treatment of a disease such as shingles. Use the presented herpes prescriptions only with the permission of your doctor to avoid complications.

The materials on this page are for informational purposes only and are intended for educational purposes. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice. The determination of the diagnosis and the choice of the method of treatment remains the exclusive prerogative of your attending physician.