You wake up one morning to find a painful rash spreading across one side of your body. You experience intense discomfort and notice small blisters forming. This might be your first encounter with Herpes Zoster or Shingles.
Understanding Herpes Zoster: What is Shingles?
Herpes zoster is an infectious condition induced by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. However, it can reactivate in later years to retreat into the nerve tissues near your spinal cord and brain, leading to shingles.
Causes and Risk Factors of Shingles
As said before, when the varicella-zoster virus turns active again, it causes Herpes Zoster. You may be diagnosed with this disease if you have a history of chickenpox. Some common reasons for virus reactivation include -
- Your immune system weakens as the body ages, making it easier for the shingles-causing virus to reactivate.
- If you are dealing with cancer, HIV, or autoimmune diseases, which are noted to weaken immune systems, your body turns susceptible to this disease.
- When you have a toxic work life and are dealing with high stress levels, your immune system gets compromised, making the body susceptible to shingles and various other diseases.
- Medications like chemotherapy drugs and steroids weaken the immune system, making it more susceptible to varicella-zoster virus infections. Medicines for preventing organ transplant rejection also impact the immune system and may result in shingles in those previously infected with chickenpox.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Herpes Zoster
The early signs of Shingles include itching or a burning sensation around specific body parts. As the disease progresses, you may start noticing the following Shingles symptoms:
- A red rash emerges in the affected region, creating a band-shaped pattern. It typically appears on one side of the torso, but depending on the severity, it may appear on other body parts.
- The rash evolves into fluid-filled blisters that look like chickenpox. These blisters are not only painful, but when they burst, they cause the formation of scabs.
- Some individuals with shingles may experience fatigue, fever, headache, and chills.
To diagnose herpes zoster, your doctor examines the rash and determines whether there is a history of chickenpox.
In some scenarios, your doctor may suggest you undergo Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA), and Viral Culture tests.
Treatment Options for Shingles
Now that you know about shingles rash and symptoms, let's look at the modes of treatment for this ailment. While this ailment has no cure, various medications can alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.
- If diagnosed with shingles, the doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs such as Famciclovir, Valacyclovir, and Acyclovir to reduce the severity of the infection. However, taking this medicine within 72 hours of developing this viral infection is important.
- Some pain relievers, such as Naproxen, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen, may be recommended to provide relief from mild discomfort. However, if the condition worsens, drugs like anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants are recommended.
Conclusion
Herpes zoster is a severe condition that can affect anyone who has had chickenpox. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure for managing the risk of shingles, particularly in older adults and individuals with weakened immunity.
If you notice the symptoms of shingles, seeking medical attention quickly to ensure effective treatment and prevent potential long-term health effects is crucial. Obtaining a health insurance plan is also recommended to deal with any such disease that may hit you unexpectedly.