HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES)

HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES)

Introduction

Herpes zoster (shingles) is a viral infection, caused by Varicella zoster virus. It is commonly called as shingles. According to study, 90% of patients with Herpes zoster have had chicken pox a few years back.

Causative factors

Varicella-zoster virus causes acute illness chicken pox. Even after chickenpox is resolved the virus is not eliminated. It can go on to cause Herpes zoster. This virus is located in nerve cells. It may remain silent for years together. When it gets activated, the symptoms appear along the course of nerves.

Sign and symptoms

Herpes zoster is characterized by painful eruptions (yellowish fluid filled) in a linear shape over a limited area of the body like face, eyes, genitals and other body parts. The eruptions can be reddish brown in color. The pain may be mild or unbearable and is related to a nerve in which the virus is located. The eruptions may subside in 3-6 weeks but pain may remain same.

The same presentation of the Herpes eruption can also be noted on genitals in male and females also. This eruption may last for 2-3 weeks or longer. The local lymph nodes may get swollen. There can be a recurrent relapse.

Herpes Zoster is known to leave behind a painful condition called Post-herpetic Neuralgia in many patients.

Transmission

Skin to skin contact is the major source of spread. Transmission may also occur directly, or through contact with infected razors, towels, dishes, and other shared articles. Oral sex is the most common way to transmit genital HSV infection.

Investigation

  • Blood test for Herpes antibodies isolation
  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
  • The virus can be detected by investigations of a variety of body fluids such as eye secretions, mouth secretions, blister fluid, genital secretions, urine and blood and in very sick patients, the cerebrospinal fluid.

Conventional Treatment

Antiviral, Analgesics, and steroids are the treatment that may help little in some patients but cannot kill this horrible virus from within.

Homeopathic treatment-  

Homeopathic medicines can be useful to reduced intensity of symptoms once it occurs. also useful for after-effects of herpes such as post-viral neuralgia and burning neuritis.

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