Herpes Zoster: What It Is And How It Manifests Itself
Shingles, commonly called “shingles”, is characterized by a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus , the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Shingles occurs when a virus that attacks nerve cells reactivates after a certain period of time, thus leading to the onset of a rash.
A procedure of this type occurs: after contracting chickenpox, the Zoster virus remains in the nerve tissues of the body ; in reality it never disappears, it just stays inactive and the problem is that it could reactivate at a later time. And it is precisely when it reactivates that the symptoms of shingles or shingles appear.
The reason for the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus is thought to be in the immune system which, over time, weakens after contracting chickenpox in childhood.
What happens when the virus reactivates?
When the virus reactivates, it begins to expand through the nerves and it is precisely for this reason that you feel the annoying sensation of tickling and burning in the affected areas.
At that moment, the virus circulates throughout the nervous system and within two or three days it reaches the skin. When it reaches the epidermis, clusters of vesicles appear over the entire surface of the affected nerve within a short time. The skin can be very sensitive, so shingles can also be accompanied by pain and burning sensations.
Can you get shingles?
If you have already contracted chickenpox, then there is a chance that shingles will appear after reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. However, the virus usually reactivates more frequently in people who have a weakened immune system or who are over 50 years of age.
The risk increases as you get older. Also, a person who is undergoing cancer treatment or who has contracted HIV may have shingles.
In particular, shingles is likely to be one of the first symptoms in people with HIV that something is not working as it should in the immune system.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
1. Normally the first symptom of shingles is severe pain that affects only one side of the body, accompanied by tingling or burning. The burning or pain can become more and more intense and in most cases precede a rash, as if almost heralding it.
2. Another symptom of shingles is the onset of a rash followed by the formation of pustules or small blisters.
* Other possible symptoms:
- 1. Fever and chills
- 2. Genital ulcers
- 3. Joint pain
- 4. Feeling of general malaise
- 5. Abdominal pain
- 6. Headache
- 7. Inflammation of the lymph nodes
* If the virus affects a facial nerve:
- 1. Problems with sight
- 2. Changes in eye movement
- 3. Problems or alterations in sensations regarding the sense of taste
- 4. Sagging eyelids
- 5. Difficulty moving some facial muscles
* Also:
It can cause tiredness, fever, even if not very high, and mild muscle aches.
Can it be cured?
Shingles can be treated. In this regard, you should contact your doctor to confirm the diagnosis of shingles and prescribe a possible treatment or the use of drugs to fight the virus.
In general, drugs with antiviral properties are recommended, which are able to reduce pain and prevent any complications, as well as shorten the course of the disease.
Medicines are usually used 24 hours after the onset of pain or burning. To treat shingles it is recommended that you take medication before the blisters appear.
On the other hand, to improve and heal quickly, it is recommended to rest until the fever has subsided. Also sterilize all reusable items in boiling water, keep your skin clean and do not reuse contaminated products.
Note
The virus disappears after two to three weeks and rarely reappears. The important thing is to take care of yourself and that it is diagnosed in time because, in extreme cases, if the virus affects the motor nerves, in addition to weakness, there could also be a temporal or even permanent paralysis.
Finally, the pain can be very mild, but it can also be very intense and, therefore, unbearable. Take care of yourself and rest.
