Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster, also known as Shingles is a condition where you develop sudden, painful, fluid filled small lesions in a localised area in your body. It is different from chickenpox, as it doesn't involve the whole body, nor does it spread from one person to other.
Herpes zoster is caused by latent Varicella zoster virus. The virus is same as that for chickenpox, but it remains dormant in dorsal root ganglia of spine. It can get re-activated at any point of time, but is mostly seen in adulthood, or at times of low immunity. Upon reactivation, it migrates to sensory nerves, and leads to painful blisters on the area supplied by that nerve.
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Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of herpes zoster is similar for all patients; the difference being in the severity and location of involvement
- Small blisters or fluid- filled lesions in a small area
- Pain in the lesions, which can extend to surrounding areas also
- Oozing, scabbing of lesions
- Multiple areas involvement
- Persistent pain, even after healing of lesions
- In old and debilitating patients, there can be involvement of multiple areas
Causes/ Triggers
Herpes zoster is caused by re-activation of dormant varicella zoster virus.
- The reactivation can occur without any reason, but is seen mainly due to- Stress
- Infections
- Decreased immunity
- Other associated conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension
Home Care
- Do not scratch the affected area
- Do not use any home remedies, like turmeric pastes on the area
- Wear loose, cotton clothes to avoid friction
- Use only soap and water to clean the area
- Do not use antispetic solutions on the affected area
- Do not take unsupervised tablets or injections
- Visit a dermatologist to get proper medications
Treatment
At Skinfinity Derma, we offer a wide range of treatment options to help you manage herpes zoster effectively. Our team of dermatologists will work with you to create a treatment plan for herpes zoster.
Some of the most common treatments we offer for include:
- Topical medications- These are creams and lotions which work on soothing the area and reduce any superadded infection which may develop.
- Oral medications- There are antiviral tablets to reduce the severity of condition, and tablets to reduce any itching and pain which is present.
