Shingles, also known as night burn, is a viral skin disease that is often seen in older ages, first on the body with redness and then with painful fluid-filled vesicles. The virus that causes shingles is the virus that causes chickenpox, and this virus remains hidden in the nerve roots along the spinal cord for years and usually occurs after the age of 50 with the weakening of the body defense system.
Who gets Shingles more often?
Shingles is more common in the elderly, those who experience physical and emotional stress, those who have diseases that weaken the immune system (leukemia, lymphoma, etc.), and those who take medications that suppress the immune system.
How does zoster begin?
Usually the first symptom is unilateral, burning, stinging pain and increased sensitivity in a specific area. Following these findings, a red rash begins in the same area within 1-7 days and spreads to that area. Over time, they fill with fluid and then appear inflamed, then they dry out and fall off, and this period may last for a total of 2-3 weeks. Although very rare, the disease can occur without a rash, and in this case, diagnosis becomes very difficult.
How do the symptoms of shingles zoster spread?
The most important feature of the shingles rash is that it only occurs on one side of the area where it occurs. is to take. In other words, it shows a feature that does not spread to the other side of the body, which is typical for shingles.
Is shingles zoster contagious?
It can only be transmitted to people at risk (those with weakened immune systems, newborns, etc.) who do not have chickenpox. and causes chickenpox.
How is shingles diagnosed?
It is difficult to diagnose when there is redness and pain in that area in the beginning. Many similar painful internal diseases make diagnosis difficult. In the period when fluid-filled blisters appear following the pain, the diagnosis is made more easily by the dermatologist.
Does shingles zoster leave scars?
Scars may remain only in very severe cases or when the wounds become infected.
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How is the treatment for shingles?
The disease can resolve spontaneously within 2-3 weeks. The aim of treatment is to reduce the painful process and accelerate recovery. Here, the treatment will be effective if it starts within the first 3-4 days.
Which drugs are used in the treatment?
In addition to antiviral tablets that prevent the development of the virus, antiviral creams are sometimes recommended in limited cases. Your dermatologist should decide on their application. Antibiotic or antiseptic solutions may sometimes be recommended for the treatment of fluid-filled blisters.
Can the pain continue after the disease heals at the shingles site?
Following the healing of the wounds, approximately 40% of patients, especially those over the age of 60, experience pain. A painful period called "postherpetic neuralgia" may develop and this period may last up to 12 months.
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