When, unexpectedly, a sharp pain and burning sensation strikes one side of your body, followed by a skin rash that is not only itchy but also painful. This is not just your average skin condition—it is shingles, or more commonly known as shingles, a disease that is actually caused by a virus that has been “dormant” in your body since you had chickenpox years ago. So, why has this virus suddenly reactivated? What causes it and how can you deal with it? Read on to learn more about this hidden danger.
Shingles, or more commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash. It is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is also the cause of chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains in the body but in a dormant state and can reactivate years later as shingles.
What are the Symptoms of Shingles?
Patients who experience herpes zoster generally feel flu-like symptoms but without fever. Here are the symptoms that can be felt:
1. Pain and burning sensation
Before the rash appears, there is often pain, tingling, or burning on one side of the body, especially in the area where the rash will develop. This pain can be very uncomfortable for several weeks.
2. Skin rash
After 1-5 days, a red rash appears on the affected skin area. This rash then develops into small, fluid-filled blisters similar to chickenpox. Typically, this rash appears on only one side of the body, following a specific nerve path.
3. Blisters filled with fluid
These blisters usually burst after 7-10 days and begin to dry out and form scabs. Within a few weeks, the scabs will disappear, but scars or skin discoloration may persist for longer.
4. Other symptoms
Some people also experience fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.
What Causes Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. After someone has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the central nervous system. Some things that can trigger the virus to reactivate are as follows:
- Aging : A person's risk of developing shingles can increase with age, especially in people aged 50 years and over.
- Weakened immune system : Certain medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, people with a history of kidney transplantation or use of immunosuppressant drugs, may increase the risk.
- Stress : High levels of stress can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to viral reactivation.
Herpes Zoster Complications
If not treated properly, shingles can cause serious complications, including:
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) : This condition occurs when pain from shingles persists long after the rash has disappeared.
- Occurrence of skin infections : Bacteria can infect skin blisters caused by herpes zoster, potentially causing skin complications.
- Vision problems : If shingles affects the eyes, it can cause serious eye infections that can reduce vision.
How to Treat Shingles
Treatment for shingles aims to speed recovery, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications. Some common treatment steps include:
1. Antiviral drugs
Medications are usually prescribed to help speed healing and reduce the severity of symptoms. It is important to start antiviral treatment within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
2. Pain reliever
To reduce pain, your doctor may recommend painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
3. Cream or ointment
Creams or ointments containing capsaicin or lidocaine can help relieve itching and pain on the skin.
4. Home care
Getting plenty of rest, keeping your skin clean, and avoiding scratching the blisters are important steps in recovery. Applying a cool, damp cloth to the rash can also help reduce pain and itching.
Let's Implement Herpes Zoster Prevention Steps
Did you know that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent shingles? The shingles vaccine is available and recommended for adults 50 years and older, even if they have had chickenpox before. The vaccine can reduce the risk of getting shingles and reduce the severity of symptoms if the disease occurs.
Shingles is a painful disease that can lead to serious complications if not treated properly. Recognizing the early symptoms, understanding the causes, and knowing how to treat it are essential to prevent the disease from getting worse. If you or a loved one is experiencing shingles symptoms, contact a doctor immediately and consult so that you can get professional and appropriate care.
Article written by dr. Tania Azhari, Sp.DVE (Specialist Doctor of Dermatology Venereology, EMC Cikarang Hospital).