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Herpes Zoster
How long does it generally take for herpes zoster to heal?
Most patients, if they do not develop complications from shingles, generally recover within two to four weeks. However, many patients who do develop related complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, motor paralysis, or gastrointestinal or urinary tract diseases from shingles, have an uncertain recovery time. It could be several weeks, months, or even years. Therefore, once shingles occur, it is essential to seek timely medical treatment at a formal hospital and pay attention to enhancing one's immunity.
Can people with herpes zoster take a bath?
Whether or not someone who has herpes zoster (shingles) can take a bath depends on the individual’s condition. Most patients can bathe, but they must not scrub, especially at the areas affected by the rash. A minority of patients should avoid bathing if their blisters have ruptured, leading to open sores that could facilitate a secondary bacterial infection. In such cases, bathing is not recommended as it may worsen the infection.
What family does shingles belong to?
Shingles can be treated in three medical departments. First, dermatology. Since the blisters primarily appear on the skin, seeing a dermatologist can treat shingles. Second, neurology. As shingles may be caused by nerve damage, treatment can be sought from a neurologist. Third, for severe pain, especially if postherpetic neuralgia remains after shingles, one can consult the pain management department. The initial symptoms of shingles are mainly pain, particularly unilateral limb or unilateral scalp/facial pain.
Early symptoms of shingles
The prodromal symptoms of shingles primarily refer to mild fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and general discomfort that occur before the rash appears. There is also a burning sensation and pain in the affected skin area, which feels significantly sensitive to touch. Generally, these symptoms can last from 1 to 5 days, but some people may not exhibit any prodromal symptoms and develop the rash directly.
How many days can herpes zoster be cured?
Herpes zoster is a viral infectious skin disease that is most prone to epidemic in the spring, primarily caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It generally lies dormant in the body causing a belt-like cluster of herpes zoster to appear along the dermatome, accompanied by neuralgia. The course of herpes zoster generally lasts three to four weeks, and it usually does not recur after recovery. The main principles of treatment are antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, to shorten the duration of the disease, and to prevent secondary infections.
How is herpes zoster diagnosed?
The diagnosis of herpes zoster is primarily based on clinical symptoms. First, the skin lesions appear as clusters of vesicles, which are distributed in a band-like pattern along one side of peripheral nerves. Second, there is significant neuralgia accompanied by swelling of the local lymph nodes. Third, the skin in the middle is normal. If these three clinical symptoms are present, it can generally be confirmed as herpes zoster.
What is good to eat for herpes zoster?
Shingles is a common dermatological disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. After contracting shingles, it is very important to pay attention to one's diet. It is recommended to maintain a light diet and avoid spicy and stimulating foods. Be cautious with dry, hot, and nourishing foods. It is beneficial to consume more porridge-like foods that are warming to the stomach, such as mung bean soup, wheat soup, noodles, etc. Foods that tend to trigger outbreaks, such as seafood and beef or mutton, should be avoided. Instead, it is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits, like carrots, apples, and pears.
What is shingles?
Herpes zoster is a viral skin disease, and humans are the only hosts for the varicella-zoster virus. Therefore, the virus can easily enter the bloodstream through the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to viremia, and consequently causing chickenpox or presenting as a latent infection. The virus can lie dormant for long periods in our ganglia or nerve roots. When the body is stimulated again, leading to a decrease in resistance, the dormant virus can be activated, which may result in herpes zoster.
What should not be eaten with herpes zoster?
Patients with herpes zoster need to pay close attention to their diet. Firstly, they should avoid overly greasy and overly spicy foods. Seafood and barbecue should also be avoided as much as possible. Smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited. Secondly, patients with herpes zoster generally have lower immunity and weaker constitutions. Therefore, it is recommended to eat more soy products, or foods rich in protein, such as fish and lean meat. It is also necessary to consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, and eat foods that are easy to digest. Lastly, patients with herpes zoster should try to eat fewer acidic foods, such as spinach, carbonated drinks, and other beverages that contain additives.
Can you drink alcohol with herpes zoster?
Herpes zoster is caused by a viral infection of the nerves, usually following a cold. It is important to rest, avoid alcohol, and not eat spicy or rich foods. Additionally, take some antiviral medication such as acyclovir orally, and vitamins B1 and B12 to nourish the nerves. Make sure to rest well, avoid staying up late, and refrain from overexertion. For external use, it is best to apply some acyclovir to prevent infection.