Characteristic symptoms of herpes zoster in humans, treatment

Characteristic symptoms of shingles in humans

Shingles is a disease that affects the skin, mucous membranes, and the peripheral and central nervous systems. The disease belongs to infectious diseases with high contagiousness and is characterized by a classic triad of symptoms: skin manifestations, pathological signs of the nervous system and general symptoms of an infectious impression. The causative agent of the disease is the herpes virus.

Provocative factors and direct causes of shingles on the skin:

• violations in the work of the immune system;
• severe chronic diseases (diabetes, liver cirrhosis, tuberculosis, heart or kidney failure);
• chicken pox transferred in adulthood;
• neurological diseases;
• Infectious pathologies;
• autoimmune processes;
• taking some medicines (hormones, cytostatics);
• old age;

Characteristic symptoms of shingles in humans will be discussed further.

Onset of the disease and forms

The following forms of the disease are distinguished:

• ocular;
• ear;
• gangliodermal;
• necrotic;
• abortiful;
• hemorrhagic;
• meningoencephalic;
• bullous.

The disease begins with general malaise and neurological pain. In addition, the patient complains of disturbances from the gastrointestinal tract (dyspeptic disorders), headache, chills, pain and burning in the part of the body where rashes will appear in the future. The onset of the disease is characterized by subfebrile temperature and pain in the lymph nodes. The duration of the initial stage is from 24 hours to 4 days. When asked whether shingles is contagious, the answer is yes.

Characteristic symptoms of shingles in humans

The rash period is characterized by the appearance of small spots on the skin of 0.5 cm in size. The intensity of the rash depends on the degree of the disease. In the classical clinic, vesicles with colorless contents appear at the spot of the spots during the day. With a severe form of the disease, the vesicles acquire a dark color, and liquid with blood impurities accumulates inside them. Pain in shingles is characterized by increased intensity. The slightest touch to the skin can cause pain, which can be compared to a burn. The reason for this is the localization of the virus in nerve cells and their irritation.

The period of formation of crusts occurs two weeks after the onset of rashes. Yellow crusts appear at the site of the rash, which gradually fall off. Areas of skin that had rashes become pigmented. The symptoms of shingles in children have some features - in particular, not only pain, but also tingling appears along the affected nerve endings, and the vesicles have a tendency to merge.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is made on the basis of anamnesis and examination of the patient. Among the additional studies used: blood analysis for antibodies, PCR diagnostics and cultivation of virus cultures.

On our website https://dobrobut.com/ you can make an appointment with a doctor. He will answer questions and talk about the main signs of shingles at different stages. Appointments are made at the indicated numbers.

Treatment of shingles in adults

The disease in a mild form passes on its own within two weeks. As a rule, this applies to young people. In all other cases, drug therapy is necessary:

• antiherpetic drugs;
• antibiotics (for gangrenous form) ;
antihistamines;
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• painkillers;
immunomodulators;
• vitamins.

Physiotherapy methods are also used - in particular, a quartz lamp.

For the treatment of rashes, drugs with a drying effect are recommended. Antiviral, antiherpetic ointments and sprays are used for this purpose.

Methods of folk medicine are used after consulting a doctor and under his supervision.

Prognosis of the disease

With correct and timely treatment of shingles in adults, the prognosis is usually favorable. Seasonal exacerbation of the disease can be observed in autumn and spring.

The following consequences of ringworm may develop:

• with a severe form – the development of paralysis of the facial nerve;
• with damage to the eyes, there is a high probability of developing optic neuritis;
• meningoencephalitis – a consequence of the encephalitic form of shingles;
• severe violations of internal organs.

If you need the advice of an experienced specialist, contact the clinic. Our doctors will tell you about many nuances of the described disease, including how to treat ringworm in the elderly. You can make an appointment for a consultation on the website and by calling the indicated phones.

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