Herpes zoster or shingles (smallpox) is a disease characterized by the appearance of water-filled skin nodules on one side of the body and is painful. This disease is caused by a viral infection Varicellazoster, which is also the cause of chickenpox.
Although not dangerous, herpes zoster causes complaints of pain. Antiviral drugs will be given to speed up healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Symptoms of Herpes Zoster
The main symptom of herpes zoster is the appearance of water-filled nodules on the skin, with the following characteristics:
- Nodules that appear like chickenpox on one side of the body (right or left).
- The nodules are local only.
- The tissue around the nodule becomes swollen.
- Nodules will develop into blisters.
- The blisters will rupture and become crusty sores, then disappear slowly.
- Nodules that appear in the eye area can interfere with vision.
Herpes nodules on the skin are painful, burning, stiff, and tingling, which gets worse when touched. This pain has actually started 2-3 days before the nodule appears, and will still continue even after the nodule is gone.
In addition to rashes and pain, other symptoms experienced by people with herpes zoster are:
- Fever
- Headache
- Weak
- Glare to light
Reason and Risk Factors Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster is caused by a virus varicella zoster, the virus that also causes chickenpox. People with herpes zoster are those who have previously had chickenpox.
After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus Varicella Zoster becomes inactive, but persists in the nerves for years. The virus can then reactivate and cause shingles or shingles.
Not sure what causes the virus Varicella Zoster active again, because not everyone who has had chickenpox will develop shingles. Some conditions that are thought to increase the risk of developing herpes zoster are:
- Over 50 years old. It is known that the risk of developing shingles increases with age.
- Have a weak immune system, for example because of AIDS, after organ transplant surgery, suffering from cancer, or taking corticosteroid drugs for a long time.
Diagnosis and Treatment Herpes Zoster
Doctors can confirm a patient has shingles or shingles by their symptoms.
Once confirmed herpes zoster, treatment with antiviral drugs needs to be done immediately. The earlier herpes zoster treatment is taken, the more effective the results. Examples of antiviral drugs given are: famiciclovir, acyclovir, and valacyclovir.
In addition to antiviral drugs, dermatologists will also provide pain relievers, ranging from: paracetamol, ibuprofen, tramadol, or oxycodone.
The cost of treating this condition may not be small. Therefore, also prepare trusted health insurance so that the costs will be lighter. In addition, do some independent efforts to reduce the symptoms of herpes zoster, namely:
- Wear loose, soft clothing, such as cotton, to prevent chafing and irritation of the skin.
- Cover the nodule to keep it clean and dry.
- Take a cold shower or apply a cold compress to the nodule. This method can be used to relieve pain and itching.
Complications Herpes Zoster
If left untreated, shingles can lead to some serious complications, which include:
- Postherpetic neuralgia. Pain that lasts for months or even years after the nodule has healed. This complication is mostly experienced by patients aged over 60 years.
- Blindness. If it appears around the eyes, shingles can cause inflammation of the optic nerve and progress to blindness.
- Weakened muscles. Inflammation of the nerves of the muscles can reduce the strength of these muscles.
- Bacterial infection. This condition can occur if bacteria get into a blister that has ruptured.
Prevention Herpes Zoster
The way to reduce the risk of developing herpes zoster is vaccination. Vaccination is recommended for people over 50 years old. The vaccine can also be given to people who have had herpes zoster, to prevent recurrence. Although it can't prevent herpes zoster completely, vaccination can at least reduce the severity of the symptoms of this disease and speed up healing time.
As previously explained, herpes zoster is a continuation of chickenpox, so herpes zoster cannot be transmitted. However, sufferers can be a source of spread of the virus Varicella Zoster which can cause other people to get chickenpox. The following are things that can be done so that you do not pass this virus on to others:
- Cover the blisters so that the fluid in the blisters does not contaminate objects that can be an intermediary for transmission.
- Do not scratch the blisters.
- Avoid direct contact with pregnant women who have never had chickenpox, babies with low birth weight or premature babies, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Wash your hands often.