What Are the Causes of Herpes Zoster (Shingles)?

Herpes Zoster (also known as shingles) is a known viral infection that is caused by varicella zoster virus (chickenpox virus). It is a very painful condition that can lead to blisters in nerve segments. The condition an happen in any part of the body and should be treated as early as possible.

What Are the Signs of Herpes Zoster?

Here are some of the common signs that you should be looking out for:

• Pain in nerve segments in any part of your body
• Burning pain with fluid-filled rashes
• Painful swelling without any itching sensation on nerve segments.

What Can You Do To Prevent Herpes Zoster?

There is no way to prevent herpes zoster but early treatment can help prevent your condition from getting worse. Relieving symptoms within the first 72 hours since their onset is the best way to deal with herpes zoster.

If the disease sets in, you should be taking care of the affected area with antibiotics. You do not want to apply antiseptic lotions and want to keep the blisters undamaged to avoid any further discomfort.

Treatment of Herpes Zoster

Oral anti-viral drugs are commonly prescribed by medical professionals along with pain-relieving medication. It can take anything between 1 and 3 weeks for all symptoms to fully subside.

Patients may also experience pain even after the skin fully heals. This is common and it can take up to 1 month for the pain to fully go away. If pain persists for extended periods of time, the treatment may be prolonged. In rare cases it can take up to years for severe cases of herpes zoster to heal.

Is Herpes Zoster Contagious?

Herpes Zoster is not contagious in most cases. But, if children with no history of chickenpox or individuals who have lower immunity due to medication or diseases have higher chances of acquiring the infection. This is a rare scenario and unlikely to happen.

Is Treatment for Herpes Zoster Necessary?

While herpes zoster clears up in a matter of weeks, dealing with the pain can be very difficult. It can also lead to further complications which is why seeking medical help is necessary.

Can Herpes Zoster Reoccur?

Herpes Zoster can reoccur on patients suffering from suppressed immunity because of existing conditions or drug usage.

The above-mentioned FAQs have been answered by Dr. Dipendra Gurung, MD Senior Dermatologist in Mahabir Doctor’s Hub, Siliguri. Call 9933868686 for appointment.