What is shingles called

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on February 10, 2025

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Shingles is a form of chickenpox caused by the herpes zoster virus infection. It has many colloquial names, such as waist-bound fire rash, serpent sores, dragon around the waist, spider sores, and several others related to serpentine and fiery descriptions, all of which are folk names for shingles. Shingles occur due to the reactivation of the virus that lies dormant in the body. This virus enters through the respiratory tract mucosa into the blood, causing the infection.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

1min 3sec

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Can you have sexual intercourse with herpes zoster?

Firstly, it is advised not to have sexual intercourse during an episode of shingles to avoid cross-infection and aid recovery. Humans are the only hosts for the varicella-zoster virus, which can enter the body through respiratory and oral tracts, genital mucosa, saliva, and skin, and lies dormant in human mucosa, blood, saliva, spinal cord, posterior nerve roots, and sensory ganglia cells. People with acute shingles need to seek prompt medical diagnosis to avoid missing the optimal treatment window and delaying the condition. The treatment principles mainly include antiviral therapy, infection control, pain relief, and aiding scab formation. Typically, proper recovery from shingles is expected within seven to ten days in a standard hospital, and this helps in reducing the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

35sec

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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

41sec

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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 Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

43sec

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How long will shingles take to heal?

The duration of recovery from herpes zoster varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the condition. If the herpes zoster only causes skin symptoms and does not lead to complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, then it is possible to recover with antiviral treatment within two weeks. However, if it causes other infections or complications like postherpetic neuralgia, then it may take months or even years to heal. Therefore, during the period of suffering from herpes zoster, it is essential to strengthen one's immunity, rest more, and engage in appropriate exercise.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

34sec

home-news-image

What is shingles called

Shingles is a form of chickenpox caused by the herpes zoster virus infection. It has many colloquial names, such as waist-bound fire rash, serpent sores, dragon around the waist, spider sores, and several others related to serpentine and fiery descriptions, all of which are folk names for shingles. Shingles occur due to the reactivation of the virus that lies dormant in the body. This virus enters through the respiratory tract mucosa into the blood, causing the infection.