Zona, with its medical name Herpes zoster; It is a painful, rash skin disease that affects sensory nerve cell groups (dorsal root ganglia) caused by the virus called "varicella zoster".
What is Shingles?
Shingles, as its medical name herpes zoster; It is a painful, rash skin disease that affects sensory nerve cell groups (dorsal root ganglia) caused by the virus called "varicella zoster".
The first symptom of herpes zoster is pain that can be very severe. Pain may be accompanied by skin sensitivity, fever, and weakness.
The time between the pain and the appearance of skin rashes is 2-3 days on average, sometimes this period may extend up to 2 weeks.
Skin rashes observed in shingles; It can be unilateral, not crossing the midline, located in the form of a belt, in the form of grouped water-filled bubbles on a red and edematous ground. In fact, these blisters may become inflamed over time.
The lymph nodes in the area where the shingles are involved may swell and hurt.
Zona attacks usually heal within 2 to 4 weeks. Shingles usually does not leave scars, but if it becomes inflamed and sore, there is a possibility of scarring. In addition, in the elderly and those with poor general condition, the lesions may become necrotic (become inanimate tissue) and lead to serious scars. Eye and facial nerves may be affected. In this case, vision loss and facial paralysis may also occur.
What are the Types of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?
Ophthalmic zoster (eye involvement shingles): Known as the 5th cranial nerve, the nerve has 3 branches: zone 1 (ophthalmic), which runs along the eye area, forehead, and nose; the 2nd region (maxillary), which runs along the lower part of the nose, cheeks, upper teeth, palate and upper jaw; the 3rd region (mandibular) that runs along the lower jaw, lower teeth, and lower lip. In ophthalmic zoster, the first branch of the trigeminal nerve is involved. This can lead to the appearance of lesions on the forehead and eyelids. Eyelid edema may be observed, and shingles lesions tend to be painful and bleed. It should also be followed by ophthalmologists because steroid use may be in question.
- Oral zoster (oral shingles): 2nd and 3rd branches of the trigeminal nerve (lower part of the nose, cheeks, teeth) s, palate, chin, lips), shingles may occur in the oral mucosa, hard palate, maxilla, tongue, and mandible. Typically, erythematous structures around the mucosa are observed.
- Cranial zoster (cranial zona): There is involvement of nerves affecting the head and neck. In cranial zoster; Head and neck pain, lymphadenopathy and water-filled blisters (vesicles) may be observed on the erythematous background.
- Otic zoster (ramsey-hunt syndrome): It occurs with the involvement of the nerves in the external auditory canal. Otic zoster usually; It begins with unilateral ear pain accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness. There may be a loss of taste sensation in the anterior 2/3 of the tongue. Ear pain and facial paralysis may develop.
What are the Complications of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?
Shingles (herpes zoster) can cause many complications. The most common complications can be listed as follows:
Post-herpetic neuralgia: Pain that does not go away or newly emerges 30 days after the onset of shingles is called post-herpetic neuralgia. It can be observed more frequently in cases over 40 years of age. It can be a constant, burning pain or intermittent throbbing pain. Pain and sensitivity to ultraviolet, cold and touch may develop.
- Bacterial infection
- Peripheral nerve palsy
- Deafness
- Eye complications
- Encephalitis, meningoencephalitis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
How to Treat Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?
Anti-viral treatment within the first 24-48 hours can provide early recovery, prevent complications, and prevent complications afterward. It can reduce the duration of pain that can be observed. The skin rash may need care as recommended by the doctor. Rest and fluid intake contribute to recovery.
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