What is shingles?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How long is the incubation period for herpes zoster?

Shingles is a common dermatological disease primarily caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles has an incubation period, but the duration is uncertain, generally ranging from 3 to 20 days. The reason the incubation period for shingles is variable is that after being infected with the varicella-zoster virus, it accumulates in the nerves of the spinal cord and does not exhibit any symptoms physiologically. The virus only begins to proliferate rapidly and triggers the disease when the body's resistance decreases, or in the event of an infection, a cold, or fatigue.

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Written by Yu Gang
Dermatology Department
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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.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Shingles is what disease?

Shingles is primarily caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which enters the human bloodstream through the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to chickenpox or a latent infection. The virus then lies dormant in the nerve ganglia of the body. Certain triggers, such as trauma, fatigue, weakness after illness, malignant tumors, or the use of immunosuppressants, can decrease the body's resistance and activate the dormant virus, resulting in shingles.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can I eat chicken with herpes zoster?

People with shingles can eat chicken. Shingles is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, often occurring in patients with low immunity. The onset of shingles is not directly related to diet. After contracting shingles, it is recommended to rest and eat protein-rich foods such as chicken to enhance the body's resistance, which is beneficial for the recovery of the disease. This provides the necessary nutrients to complement the medical treatment of shingles.