Darrick Robles Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a mostly painful reddening of the skin accompanied by pustules. The reddening is often limited to a specific region of the skin and is triggered by the reactivation of a past infection.
symptoms of shingles
Shingles is usually noticeable as a one-sided rash that can be accompanied by blisters, severe pain, itching or numbness. Skin regions on the chest or abdomen are often affected. In some cases, shingles is also accompanied by fever and fatigue.
Shingles on the face can occur when the zoster virus affects the nerves that run in the face. This could include additional complaints such as B. conjunctivitis, dizziness or earache.
Causes of Shingles
Shingles is caused by an infection with a so-called varicella zoster virus (VZV). You usually get the virus in childhood in the form of a chickenpox infection. The viruses remain in the nervous system for life without causing any symptoms.
Factors such as old age, stress and immune deficiency can lead to the reactivation of these viruses and possibly trigger shingles.
Risk of infection and duration of shingles
The liquid-filled blisters are active and can infect other people if they come into direct skin contact. In particular, children or people without a previous chickenpox infection or vaccination are at risk. It is therefore advisable to cover the rash with a bandage to reduce the risk of infection.
As a rule, the blisters crust over after about a week and are no longer contagious. However, it is advisable to start antiviral therapy immediately after the symptoms appear in order to avoid further complications.
Diagnosis (how can a doctor diagnose shingles)
Herpes zoster or shingles usually presents as a typical rash in a defined area of skin. The rash is often accompanied by pain, pustules, or discomfort in the affected parts of the body. In certain situations, the virus should be detected by means of laboratory diagnostics.
When do I have to go to the doctor?
If you have a rash that spreads to a limited area of skin and you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or bumps, you should see a doctor.
Therapy of shingles
In the case of shingles, antiviral treatment using so-called antivirals such as e.g. B. aciclovir. These are non-over-the-counter medications that are usually taken in tablet form. Antivirals inhibit the spread of the virus and can improve the duration and intensity of the symptoms. In the event of pain, painkillers can also be used promptly after consultation with the doctor.
Depending on the stage of shingles (whether the blisters are active or crusted), e.g. B. also cooling or anti-inflammatory solutions can be used to inhibit the inflammation.
Vaccination against shingles
Since December 2018, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has recommended that people over the age of 60 be vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine against herpes zoster (shingles). For certain risk groups, e.g. B. Patients with chronic diseases or immunodeficiency, even from the age of 50.
Vaccination could possibly reduce the incidence of shingles and prevent its complications.
Here’s how Med-Healths can help with shingles
If you suspect you have shingles, you can show the doctor your rash “live” or upload a photo of it to the Med-Healths app and discuss your symptoms with them. The doctor can recommend a suitable therapy for you and help you with further questions such as the risk of infection and preventive measures.
And if necessary, the doctor can issue a prescription, a
certificate of incapacity for work or a referral to a specialist.
