What is good to eat for herpes zoster?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yu Gang
Dermatology Department
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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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.