herpes zoster symptoms

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
00:00
00:00

The symptoms of herpes zoster primarily manifest as irregular erythema on certain parts of the body's skin, followed by clusters of rice-grain or mung bean-sized raised vesicular rash, blisters, and blood blisters. These rashes generally appear on one side of the body, not crossing the body's midline, and are accompanied by local sensations of burning, scalding pain, stabbing pain, numbness, itching, and other abnormal neural sensations.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
35sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
42sec home-news-image

Foods to avoid with herpes zoster

Shingles is a viral infection, most commonly seen in individuals with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, the elderly, or those who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs for a long time. In other words, it mainly occurs in people with compromised immune systems, who are susceptible to shingles virus infections. After the blisters from the shingles infection rupture, the skin can become infected. It is advisable to wear cotton clothing to help prevent infection. Regarding diet, it should be emphasized again to drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruits and vegetables, while avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yu Gang
Dermatology Department
55sec home-news-image

Is herpes zoster the same as chickenpox?

Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Typically, this virus causes chickenpox in children, but in adults, it manifests as herpes zoster, which is unrelated to chickenpox. The herpes zoster virus primarily attacks the nerves, causing neuralgia. Therefore, it is generally recommended to rest, consume a light diet, and avoid spicy foods, seafood, and rich foods. Treatment usually involves the use of acyclovir and valacyclovir for topical application. Oral nutritional supplements for the nerves, such as vitamin B1 and B12, and spleen peptides to enhance the body's immunity, are also recommended. It is important to rest and pay attention to these aspects. It is best to visit a local dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
41sec home-news-image

How long should shingles be isolated?

The contagious period of shingles is about two weeks, so it is advisable to isolate for two to three weeks. Shingles typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems and is mainly caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The primary symptoms are red blister clusters on the skin that follow nerve pathways, accompanied by significant pain. Treatment primarily focuses on antiviral medication, nourishing the nerves, and relieving pain. Generally, within two to three weeks, the rash can crust over and shed, at which point it is no longer contagious, and isolation is no longer necessary.