Does shingles itch?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on December 20, 2024
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Shingles most often leads to the formation of long blisters or herpes, accompanied by significant pain, which is the experience of most patients. However, a minority of people may not feel significant pain but instead experience itching. This is also a manifestation of the inflammation caused by shingles. Therefore, some patients with shingles feel itchy. Both itching and pain require timely antiviral treatment, along with medication that nourishes the nerves.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does shingles itch?

Shingles most often leads to the formation of long blisters or herpes, accompanied by significant pain, which is the experience of most patients. However, a minority of people may not feel significant pain but instead experience itching. This is also a manifestation of the inflammation caused by shingles. Therefore, some patients with shingles feel itchy. Both itching and pain require timely antiviral treatment, along with medication that nourishes the nerves.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
44sec home-news-image

How is herpes zoster transmitted?

Shingles is caused by the activation of the varicella-zoster virus that lies dormant in the nerve roots, affecting both the skin and nerves. There are several ways shingles can spread, mainly through direct contact or droplet transmission. Direct contact transmission primarily occurs because the blister fluid in shingles blisters contains a high concentration of the virus. Therefore, before the blisters of a person with shingles are completely dry, they are somewhat contagious, primarily affecting those with lower resistance such as the elderly, children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and so on.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Yu Gang
Dermatology Department
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How long does herpes zoster take to heal?

The healing time for shingles varies from person to person; generally, younger people recover faster, while older individuals take longer. Treatment typically includes oral antiviral medications like famciclovir and acyclovir, as well as nutrients for nerve health such as vitamins B1 and B12, along with oral traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. However, if it progresses to postherpetic neuralgia, the condition tends to heal more slowly. Postherpetic neuralgia can only alleviate pain but is generally difficult to cure completely.