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Shingles is a viral disease that occurs due to reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster virus after having chickenpox. It manifests as damage to the skin and nerve endings and is usually accompanied by a rash and pain on one side of the body. At the beginning, the manifestations may seem insignificant, however it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner to avoid complications.
At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, patients can undergo diagnosis and treatment of shingles according to modern clinical approaches. The doctor assesses the nature of the disease manifestations and selects therapy that helps reduce symptoms, support skin healing and reduce the risk of long-term pain syndrome.
If you have noticed signs of the disease, contact the specialists of «Oxford Medical» — we will provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment in comfortable conditions. You can make an appointment by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.
The development of shingles is associated not with a new infection, but with reactivation of a virus that was already in the body. According to NCBI Bookshelf, herpes zoster (or shingles) develops as a result of reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster virus, which after having chickenpox remains in an inactive state in the sensory nerve ganglia. That is why the disease may appear years after the primary infection.
Most often, shingles in a person occurs when the body’s immune defense decreases. This may be associated with age-related changes, chronic diseases, stress, or overfatigue. The disease is more often diagnosed in adults, especially after 50 years of age.
Among the factors that may contribute to reactivation of the virus:
Doctors of «Oxford Medical» note that patients often confuse this disease with fungal skin lesions because of the word «lichen» in the name. In fact, shingles has no relation to fungal infections. It is a viral disease that develops due to reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster virus, which remains in the body after having chickenpox.
Symptoms usually develop gradually. At the beginning, unpleasant sensations may
appear on a separate area of the skin — tingling, burning, pain, or increased
sensitivity. After several days, a characteristic rash appears, which allows shingles
herpes to be suspected.
Main manifestations:
pain, burning, or tingling on a limited area of the skin;
redness and the appearance of a rash in the affected area;
formation of groups of blisters with clear fluid;
drying of the rash with the formation of crusts.
The rash is usually located on one side of the body and does not cross the midline. This feature is associated with damage to the nerve along which inflammation spreads. That is why herpes zoster often has the appearance of a stripe or «belt».
In some cases, general symptoms may appear: fever, weakness, headache. The severity of the manifestations depends on the state of the immune system and individual characteristics of the body.
Our doctors recommend consulting a specialist when the first symptoms appear — even if the rash has not yet formed. This allows the diagnosis to be established earlier and treatment to be started, which is especially important for reducing the risk of complications.
Diagnosis of shingles usually begins with an examination by a dermatologist. In most cases, the nature of the rash and its location allow the diagnosis to be established already during the appointment. The doctor assesses the appearance of the affected area, the presence of pain, burning, or increased skin sensitivity, and also clarifies how the symptoms developed.
As a rule, additional examinations are not needed. However, in some cases, when the clinical picture is atypical or there are doubts regarding the diagnosis, additional methods may be used:
The doctor may also recommend consultations with related specialists if the lesion is localized in the area of the face, eyes, or is accompanied by pronounced pain. This helps to assess the risk of complications in a timely manner and determine further treatment tactics.
Treatment of shingles is aimed at suppressing the activity of the virus, reducing pain, and preventing complications. According to the World Health Organization, antiviral drugs have the greatest effectiveness if therapy is started within the first 72 hours after the rash appears.
Accordingly, if a patient has shingles, treatment methods include systemic antiviral therapy, means for pain control, and local skin care. Prescriptions are selected individually, taking into account the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.
In most cases, treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization may be needed in case of a severe course, involvement of the face or eyes, as well as in case of development of complications.
After the disease has been experienced, the skin gradually heals, but recovery of the body may take longer. Usually, the rash disappears within 2–4 weeks, however increased sensitivity or pain in the area of the lesion may persist for some time, especially in adult patients.
During this period, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations:
Residual symptoms after the disappearance of the rash should not be ignored. If pain or discomfort persists, this may require additional correction of treatment.
In most cases, shingles passes without serious consequences, especially if treatment is started on time. However, in certain situations, the disease may be accompanied by complications that require additional treatment and observation.
The most common consequences:
The risk of complications is higher in older patients, as well as with weakened immunity. That is why it is important not to postpone treatment and to follow the doctor’s recommendations throughout the entire period of the disease.
Our doctors recommend contacting a specialist if pain persists after the rash disappears or new symptoms appear. This allows complications to be detected in time and treatment to be adjusted.
It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of developing shingles, however it is possible to reduce the likelihood of virus reactivation and lower the risk of complications.
Main recommendations:
Vaccination against herpes zoster (shingles) plays a separate role. It is used according to indications, mainly in adult patients, and helps reduce the risk of developing the disease and its complications.
The price of treatment of shingles depends on the severity of symptoms, the duration of the disease, the need for additional examinations, and the scope of prescribed therapy. You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices for doctors’ consultations and other medical services here.
The private clinics «Oxford Medical» are located in most districts on the right and left banks of Kyiv, as well as in Irpin. If you need an appointment with a dermatologist in Kyiv or in Irpin, you can choose a convenient department and make an appointment at a comfortable time for you through the contact center or online on the website.
The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.
Sources:
Yes, treatment is necessary. Without therapy, symptoms may last longer, and the risk of complications may increase. Antiviral medications are most effective when started early, so it is important to consult a doctor at the first signs. Even if the rash is mild, the doctor assesses the condition and determines whether treatment is needed.
The duration of treatment depends on the course of the disease. In most cases, the rash disappears within 2–4 weeks. At the same time, pain or increased skin sensitivity may persist longer. This condition does not have a typical incubation period, as it occurs due to the reactivation of the virus in the body.
Shingles itself is not transmitted as a separate disease. However, the Varicella-Zoster virus can be transmitted through contact with the rash to a person without immunity to chickenpox. In this case, not shingles but chickenpox develops.
Transmission of the virus is possible through direct contact with the contents of the blisters before they dry out. The risk exists for people who have not had chickenpox or do not have immunity. After crusts form, contagiousness decreases significantly.
A short shower is usually allowed if there are no other recommendations from the doctor. It is important not to rub the affected area, not to use aggressive products, and to gently pat the skin dry with a towel. Visiting a swimming pool or sauna should be temporarily avoided.
Heating the affected area is not recommended. Heat can increase pain, irritation, and the inflammatory process. Hot compresses, heating pads, or sauna visits should not be used until the skin has fully healed.
Treatment is usually provided by a dermatologist. If necessary, other specialists may be involved, such as a neurologist or ophthalmologist, if the disease is accompanied by severe pain or involvement of the face and eyes.
Qualified doctors. Appointments are conducted by experienced dermatologists who work according to modern clinical recommendations.
Comprehensive approach. If necessary, other specialists may be involved in treatment, which allows all possible manifestations and risks of complications to be taken into account.
Modern treatment methods. Proven therapy regimens are used, aimed at suppressing the virus, reducing pain, and preventing neuralgia.
Convenient location. Oxford Medical departments operate in different districts of Kyiv and in Irpin, which allows you to choose the nearest clinic for a visit.
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