Herpes zoster is viral disease, the symptoms of which appear skin rash and damage nervous system, and the complexity of its treatment in adult patients depends on how severe the signs of lichen are.
The pathology is common among the population, since the herpes virus quickly colonizes the body healthy person upon contact with a patient. Causes the disease HSV-3 - pathogen.
Causes of shingles on the body
To the question of how herpes zoster is transmitted, infectious disease specialists, virologists and dermatologists answer - by contact or airborne droplets.
In a dormant state, a harmful strain can live for years. It becomes active with the onset of conditions favorable for its development. The disease develops in adults and older people who were ill in childhood. chicken pox. His external signs associated with damage to nerve roots and ganglia.
The activity of the Varicella Zoster virus is associated with various reasons:
- Pregnancy.
- Hypothermia.
- Overwork.
- Malignant tumors.
- Skin tissue injuries.
- Increased mental stress.
- Continuous psycho-emotional stress.
- Undergoing chemotherapy or treatment with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids.
- Infectious diseases and operations that significantly weaken the immune system.
- Abuse of sunbathing and visiting a solarium.
- Negative effects on the body of various diseases.
If herpes zoster is viral in nature, then the answer to the question of whether it is contagious is obvious - the disease has a high degree of contagiousness. For people who have had chickenpox, lichen is not dangerous, because Immunity to it is developed only once.
Other persons should avoid contact with the sick person. The herpes zoster strain is transmitted in the same way as chickenpox is spread - through the same airborne route and close contact with the carrier of the virus.
The following categories of patients are susceptible: HIV-infected people with diagnosed AIDS, cancer patients and people who have undergone organ transplantation. Chronic tuberculosis and hepatitis, cirrhosis, kidney and heart failure also increase the risk of herpes.
Video:
How to recognize herpes zoster
In adult patients, the symptoms of herpes zoster consist of a combination of skin reactions to HSV-3 and neurological disorders. Specific sign Experts call the disease one-sidedness of the lesion, or localization of the rash on one side of the body. Herpetic elements are formed along the line of nerve branches, but they do not spread to the other side.
Where the herpes zoster rashes are located and what they look like is shown in the photo.
Usually the blisters form on the body and limbs, but sometimes they pop up on the skin and face. This behavior of the pathogen is explained by damage to the axons of the trigeminal and facial nerves.
The primary signs of the Zoster virus are unbearable burning pain in the area of future rashes. There may be no other symptoms during the development of the disease, which takes 2–12 days. Pain increases due to friction of the body against clothing and under the influence of temperatures. The discomfort becomes more intense at night.
Redness and infiltration of the skin are observed along the nerve branches. Single bubbles with transparent contents are initially small, up to 3 mm in diameter. Gradually their number increases, the blisters are closely adjacent to each other without merging into foci. After the liquid becomes cloudy, the elements dry out and turn into crusts. Die off damaged tissue within a month. The former bubbles are replaced by red-brown spots.
TO general symptoms herpes zoster include:
After the peak of activity, HSV-3 subsides and stable remission occurs. If done in a timely manner, it goes away without consequences. Sometimes postherpetic neuralgia, i.e. soreness that persists for several months or years.
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Medicines against herpes zoster
Therapy for a viral disease is being developed in a comprehensive manner with the prescription of tablets and ointments with antiviral, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Feasibility of application vitamin complexes and immunomodulatory agents are determined by the attending physician.
In order for the treatment of herpes zoster to proceed quickly, it is important to start fighting the pathogen no later than 3 days from the appearance primary signs. Early initiation of therapy helps quick recovery with minimal risks of complications.
Among antiviral drugs, adult patients are prescribed tablets for 7–10 days:
To relieve pain on initial stages for herpes zoster is prescribed:
- Aspirin.
- Ibuprofen.
- Anileridine.
- Diclofenac.
- Sufentanil.
- Paracetamol.
In case of severe pain, patients are given epidural and sympathetic blockades with novocaine and corticosteroids - Prednisolone, Diprospan, Dexamethasone. To reduce pain and stop the rash process, infrared and helium-neon lasers are used.
Antidepressants for the treatment of HSV-3 with prolonged pain syndrome are prescribed as follows:
- Duloxetine.
- Citalopram.
- Mirtazapine.
- Doxepin.
- Maprotiline.
- Clomipramine.
- Escitalopram.
- Venlafaxine.
How to treat herpes zoster to eliminate specific rashes? Experts prescribe medications for external use in addition to antiviral drugs for internal use.
Effective ointments against the Zoster virus are Acyclovir, Bonafton, Alpizarin, Helepin, Interferon, Epervudine. It is useful to treat the body with Allergoferon and Infagel gels, as well as Epigen, Acyclovir, Zovirax creams.
To dry and disinfect wounds left after opening herpetic elements, it is allowed to use Castellani liquid and brilliant green, boric acid and , Fukortsin and Chlorhexidine. Treatment is varied with zinc preparations (Badigeon) and a strong solution of potassium permanganate.
Traditional methods of treating herpes zoster
To heal the body from the inside with herpes zoster, specialists traditional medicine It is advised to take infusions of herbs, twigs and roots of medicinal plants.
- Burdock infusion. 1 tsp pour a glass of boiling water over the raw materials and keep covered for 1 hour. The drug is filtered and divided into 4 portions. Drink the entire amount throughout the day at regular intervals. With advanced lichen, the dose of phyto-raw materials is increased, and the finished drink is taken hourly.
- Elm twig tea. Young shoots are cut off in the spring, when the tree is not blooming. The bark is removed from the branches and the lower light green layer is used for medicinal purposes. The peel is dried, crushed and poured into a jar. Use instead of brewing regular tea, drink 3 r. in a day.
- Ginger root tincture. 150 g of herbal product is grated and poured with a bottle of vodka. In the dark, the product is infused for 14 days, then filtered and taken 1 spoon before meals.
- Infusions of bitter herbs- tansy, wormwood, yarrow. One of the herbs is taken in dry crushed form and doused with boiling water (1 spoon per glass). The product is infused for half an hour. Daily dose– 2 – 3 glasses.
External remedies in traditional treatment Herpes zoster can be prepared from herbs, vegetables and foods.
Immortelle. 1 tbsp. dried dried fruit is poured with a glass of boiling water. Throw a thick towel over the dishes and set aside 60 minutes. The resulting infusion is used to wipe painful areas and apply compresses 2 r. in a day. The bandages are kept on for 10 minutes.
Pumpkin . Rub a small piece of ripe vegetable with a fine grater and spread the pulp in a thin layer onto soft fabric. A bandage is applied to the area of the rash overnight and secured so that it does not slip off until the morning. Additionally, the herpes virus rash is lubricated with pumpkin oil.
Onion . The peeled onion is cut in half and one part is pricked on a fork. The vegetable is kept over an open fire until lightly charred. As soon as the bulb has cooled down a little, it is still warm and applied to the affected area. If there are many problem areas, several bulbs are used for manipulation.
Creamy mustard compresses. At first sick body grease with butter, then apply mustard in a thin layer to the fatty area. The treated area is wrapped in cloth and the bandage is worn for 1 hour.
After chickenpox in childhood the virus is most often does not die completely, but only goes into a latent form. Hiding in the body for years, it worsens during periods when a person’s own immunity weakens and is not able to suppress it.
Unpleasant symptoms appear during an exacerbation period, which may be facilitated by:
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamins.
- Decreased immunity after hypothermia.
- Chronic stress or physical stress.
- Heavy surgical operations, transplantations, radiation therapy.
- Long-term use of corticosteroid hormones suppresses the immune system and allows the virus to multiply.
Ultraviolet radiation leads to the activation of the virus that lives in the human body. Outside human cell ultraviolet radiation can even be harmful to it.
Shingles often occurs in HIV-infected patients during the transition to the AIDS stage. In women, the disease can worsen during menstruation or psycho-emotional experiences.
Viruses are the cause of all herpetic eruptions. However, provoking factors can be purely individual for each person.
After the rash appears, the liquid in it becomes cloudier, the bubbles open and dry out, and crusts form in their place. It takes about a month for the affected tissue to heal. Often red-brown spots remain at the site of the bubbles.
How long the disease lasts depends on the characteristics of the immune system and what treatment regimen is prescribed. Skin manifestations may disappear in 2-4 weeks, however, the sensation of pain and itching, in many cases, remains for a long time.
Diagnostics
Complications
Symptoms cannot be ignored, as excessive activity of the virus causes severe complications.
Possible consequences depriving:
- Hepatitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Meningitis.
- Diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
- Deterioration or loss of vision and hearing.
Postherpetic neuralgia – main danger herpes zoster. The condition manifests itself severe pain in places that have been affected by the virus and persist after disappearance clinical signs, and there are also inflammatory processes in the muscles that disrupt them functional abilities, including muscle paralysis.
In HIV-infected people, exacerbation can be fatal.
Herpes zoster - video
Treatment
Painful sensations and inflammatory process drugs from the group will help relieve nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Diclofenac).
Relieve psycho-emotional stress, irritability, facilitate sleep and Antidepressants will help calm the nervous system.
Not only effective internal method taking medications - external remedies dry out rashes well, disinfect and speed up healing.
Treatment of herpes zoster - video
Folk remedies for the treatment of herpes zoster
Traditional methods of treatment will not be able to completely cure herpes zoster due to the rather severe symptoms. However, they can reduce symptoms and speed up treatment in adults.
How to treat folk remedies :
- Burdock infusion. The raw materials are poured with boiling water and left for an hour, then filtered and drunk throughout the day at regular intervals.
- Ginger root tincture. The grated root is poured with vodka and left for 2 weeks. Then the precipitate is filtered off, and the product is taken 1 spoon before meals.
- Bitter herbs mixture. An infusion is prepared from tansy, yarrow, and wormwood by brewing the raw material in boiling water. It is recommended to drink 2-3 glasses a day.
- Compress. The body is lubricated with oil and mustard is applied to the lumbar region or affected area. The top of the body is wrapped in cloth and the compress is kept for 1 hour.
Herpes zoster develops of a viral nature. The main cause of this pathology is considered to be the herpes virus, which has the exceptional ability to persist in human body for a long time. Under certain conditions, the infection becomes active and quickly spreads along the peripheral nerve fibers, resulting in the skin of one half of the body being affected. The most characteristic sign of the disease is a herpetic rash, which is accompanied by severe pain. The condition also plays an important role in the development of this disease. immune system.
How to treat herpes zoster on the body? Eliminate unpleasant symptoms Modern antiviral drugs will help with this disease. But before we begin therapy for this pathology, let's take a closer look at the symptoms of this disease.
Herpes zoster - symptoms
At the initial stage of the disease, when the virus is just beginning to develop, the patient experiences severe pain attacks localized along the affected nerve fiber. This symptom is more pronounced in night period days, also burning pain is caused by contact with irritants external environment(clothes, hands, bed linen).
Symptoms of herpes zoster in the prodromal period are difficult to diagnose. In the area of the emergence of a future infectious focus, it is observed sharp increase tissue sensitivity, burning, numbness, tingling and itching of the skin. At this time, patients often complain of signs of general intoxication of the body, body chills occur, the temperature increases to 38-39 o C, and sometimes regional lymphadenitis is observed (increased lymph nodes).
After 3-4 days, the first elements of a herpetic rash form on the patient’s skin - reddish spots with a fairly dense structure. After some time, these formations turn into vesicles, which contain a cloudy serous exudate.
After the appearance of characteristic rashes, the temperature gradually normalizes, pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe inflammatory focus noticeably decreases. New rash blisters may appear for another 4-7 days. The vesicles remain on the skin for 7-8 days after the end of the rash period. Then the elements of the herpetic rash become covered with yellow-brown crusts, which completely disappear after 2.5-3 weeks.
Pigmentation remains in the area of the infection, scarring of the skin with herpes zoster is characteristic only of the hemorrhagic form of the disease.
In most cases, signs of this pathology appear only on one half of the body; symmetrical lesions are rarely observed. In severely weakened patients (with oncology and immunodeficiencies), a generalized type of infection develops - blistering rash in such a situation occurs over the entire surface of the body, even internal organs, including the brain.
Herpes zoster on the face is a consequence of inflammation of the branches of the trigeminal nerve; in this case, paresis of the facial muscles and nerves of the eye often occurs. If spinal nerve fibers are involved in this process, the occurrence of severe paralysis arms and legs, urinary sphincter.
Classification
The virus can infect nerve fibers various parts human body. There are many forms of herpes zoster, including:
- Gangliocutaneous - this type of disease is considered the most common. In this situation, blistering rashes can occur not only in the chest or back, but also on the legs. The inflammatory focus is located on one half of the body. The consequence of incorrect or untimely therapy in such a case can be paralysis of the nerves on one side, disruptions in the functioning of the respiratory and digestive organs.
- Eye and ear - for this type of disease, a characteristic symptom is the localization of a herpetic rash, which appears on the head. Vesicles appear on the skin of the face, scalp, and mucous membranes of the mouth and nasal cavity. The ear form of the herpes virus is sometimes complicated by the development of unilateral paralysis of the facial nerves and hearing loss, while the ocular form is complicated by serious impairment of visual function.
- Necrotic - in in this case herpes zoster occurs with severe damage to the deep layers of the dermis, as a result of which rough scars appear on the patient’s skin. Such changes are a consequence of infection of the inflammatory focus by bacterial microflora.
- Disseminated - with this form of pathology, the rashes are located on the entire surface of the patient’s body. The virus also affects mucous membranes and internal organs. A similar phenomenon often occurs in patients suffering from symptoms of HIV and AIDS, various oncological diseases.
- Meningoencephalitic - this type of disease is extremely rare. The first elements of the rash appear in the hypochondrium and neck. After 3-18 days, symptoms of severe brain damage begin to appear - the patient experiences frequent fainting, loss of coordination of movements, and hallucinations.
Read also on the topic
Herpes in anus- features of the disease
The latent form occurs without rashes and other characteristic signs of herpes on the body.
Interesting! Most severe symptom The meningoencephalitic form of the disease is considered to be damage to the spinal nerve fibers, which is clinically manifested by the development motor disorders by type of paralysis. In such a situation, the disease has death in 55-60% of all cases.
Herpes zoster - consequences
Complications after herpes zoster can be caused not only by signs of postherpetic neuralgia and severe damage to the skin. A significant part of the consequences of this disease are localized and appear in the neck, face, and eyes. If the virus infects the patient’s arm or leg, then the likelihood of serious complications is extremely low, but even in such a situation, the motor functions of the limb may be impaired. As a result of untimely or improper treatment The following disorders may occur with such a disease:
- from the skin - attachment bacterial infection provokes the development of pyoderma (suppuration of rashes);
- from the internal organs - damage to the nerves in this case leads to the appearance of pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, paralysis of the respiratory muscles;
- from the eyes - relapses of lumbar lichen can cause loss of vision;
- from the extremities - there is a violation of the motor functions of the arms and legs - paresis, paralysis;
- during exacerbation of herpesvirus, which occurs with severe damage facial nerves, possible development of paralysis of this part of the nervous system;
- in case of recurrence of lichen in women during pregnancy, spontaneous miscarriages and pathologies of brain development in the unborn child often occur.
In order to avoid negative and dangerous consequences herpes zoster, it is very important to constantly maintain your immunity in an active state, keep healthy image life, avoid various stressful situations.
Effective treatment methods
How to quickly cure shingles? To eliminate the symptoms of this disease, you can use traditional medicines and traditional methods. The main conditions for productive therapy are its timeliness and choice correct technique Therefore, treatment of herpes zoster should be carried out by a qualified doctor. Next, we will consider which drugs will help the patient get rid of the signs of this pathology.
- Antiviral drugs - used in the composition complex therapy. In such a situation, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, Zovirax, Acyclovir, Penciclovir are used in the form of ointments or tablets. Basics active substance These medications have a detrimental effect on the reproduction of the virus, inactivating it and preventing shingles from developing further. The highest effectiveness after taking antiviral drugs is achieved on days 1-3 of illness. Well drug therapy is 10-12 days.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - help reduce pain, relieve inflammatory reactions in the hearth. To treat herpes zoster in elderly and adult patients, Nimesil, Meloxicam, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, as well as various lidocaine-based painkillers are used. To relieve strong pain it is possible to carry out novocaine blockade affected nerves.
- An integral part of treatment after herpes zoster is taking antihistamines. medicines, which relieve irritation and itching of the skin - Tavegil, Suprastin.
- In such a case, it is extremely important to normalize the patient’s sleep and eliminate nervous tension. For this purpose, sedative and hypnotic medications are used - Fevarin, Diazepam, Finlepsin.
- Local drugs - for therapy of this disease It is advisable to use antiseptic medications intended for treating affected skin - solutions of fucorcin or brilliant green. Such agents also have a slight drying effect, while simultaneously preventing the addition of a secondary infection. During the healing stage of the formed ulcers, you can apply special ointments with a healing effect (Solcoseryl).
- Will help get rid of signs of general intoxication of the body infusion therapy– intravenous infusion of solutions (5% glucose or Ringer) and simultaneous use of diuretics.
- In the case of the addition of bacterial microflora and the development of pyoderma, in the composition complex treatment after herpes zoster, antibiotics must be present - Erythromycin, Gentamicin, Oxacillin, Tetracycline or Rifampicin.
- Vitamin therapy involves taking medications containing B-group vitamins. They reduce the likelihood of destruction of neurons and nerve fibers, and reduce pain in the affected area.
So, we have already decided how to treat herpes zoster. As for hospitalization, if the course of this disease is mild and uncomplicated, it is not necessary. The treatment regimen for the disease and the duration of drug use are determined by a specialist individually for each patient. How many days a patient needs to take medication can be judged depending on his condition. immune defense. On average, the duration of drug therapy ranges from 14-15 days to 1-2 months. In very weakened people and patients whose age is over 60-65 years, the symptoms of lumbar herpes can be observed for quite a long time.
Content
Herpes zoster (Zoster – lat.) is a viral disease characterized by a rash with watery blisters in a localized area, accompanied by acute pain and skin itching. The disease is related to cold sores, but is caused by another virus from the herpesvirus family. Complicated forms of the zoster virus are characterized by increased blisters and less healing of scars.
What is herpes zoster
Herpes is a sluggish, recurrent phenomenon. The localization of zoster rashes has a clearly defined mark, similar to skin damage from frequent friction with a belt. The rash appears as a wide stripe on one side of the body or face, accompanied by acute muscle pain, elevated temperature, general malaise of the body.
There are atypical forms of herpes zoster:
- Abortive. There are no blistering rashes, there is no pain syndrome.
- Cystic (bullous). The blisters are large with jagged edges in the affected area.
- Hemorrhagic. The vesicles are filled with blood clots, and after healing, scars remain on the skin.
- Gangrenous (necrotic). It manifests itself as tissue necrosis followed by the formation of deep scars.
- Disseminated (generalized). Generalized rashes are located on both sides of the body.
Pathogen
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the body. After zoster initially enters the body, it remains inside for a long time nerve cells in a latent state. A weakened human immune system contributes to the activation of the virus when it encounters a carrier. Herpes enters the skin along the nerve endings, causing pain, scabies and redness of the skin. A little later, bubbles appear, fill with brown liquid, and then burst to form a crust. The mechanism of virus reactivation is poorly understood.
Transmission routes
Herpes is transmitted by airborne droplets, contact and through the blood of the mother to the fetus. Carriers of the pathogen are patients with herpes zoster or chickenpox. After incubation period, which lasts 10-20 days, the first bubbles appear. Their appearance is accompanied by pain, itching, and general malaise.
Symptoms
Symptoms of herpes zoster:
- sharp muscle pain;
- dermatitis;
- headache;
- intoxication of the body;
- fever;
- general malaise;
- rash;
- redness of the skin;
- the appearance of blisters;
- local change in the skin surface.
Pain
The disease affects the nerve endings, which causes acute pain in the area of skin rashes and unbearable itching. The nature of the pain is paroxysmal, burning, with increasing intensity at night. The depth of pain may look like appendicitis, trigeminal neuralgia, an attack of cholelithiasis, hepatic colic, which causes an erroneous diagnosis of early stages diseases.
Herpes zoster in children
Children under 10 years of age are less likely to get shingles than adults. Children with immunodeficiency are at risk. A pregnant woman who comes into contact with a carrier of a herpes infection can transmit the virus to her newborn. When children are infected with the virus, they typically experience acute fever And high temperature, the first rashes on the skin appear within 1-2 days, quickly gain strength and after 10-15 days the scabs fall off, rarely with the formation of scars. Children do not suffer from neuralgic symptoms. Complicated forms of lichen are rare.
Causes
The herpes zoster virus occurs as re-infection in persons who have had chickenpox. After primary infection, pathogenic cells settle in nerve nodes along the spine, in the intercostal part or in the skull. They can remain dormant for a long time. Repeated contact with people with smallpox or herpesvirus can lead to infection with the virus. Favorable factors for recurrent infection are:
- decreased immunity;
- stress;
- physical injuries;
- hypothermia;
- cancer;
- hepatitis;
- age-related changes (in elderly people);
- infectious diseases;
- hormonal treatment, radiation, photo or chemotherapy.
Complications after herpes zoster
Even a simple herpetic infection can be accompanied by a dangerous complication:
- skin sensitivity disorders;
- swelling;
- scarring;
- tissue necrosis;
- transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord);
- violations of motor functions of the arms, legs, back;
- paralysis;
- weakening and loss of vision due to rash in the eyelid area;
- the appearance of inflammation on the mucous membranes;
- relapses of the disease;
- development of malignant tumors;
- serous meningitis, encephalitis, acute myelopathy;
- the occurrence of secondary infections;
- damage to internal organs;
- pneumonia;
- digestive discomfort;
- urinary disorders.
In most cases, the disease resolves completely, and persistence of neuralgic pain is rarely observed. In severe patients, the pain develops into chronic pain and lasts for years.
Herpes zoster in pregnant women
In pregnant women who have had chickenpox, reactivation of the herpes zoster virus can occur due to weakened immunity or the presence of somatic pathology. Helps avoid illness early diagnosis at the stage of pregnancy planning and prevention. Re-activation of the virus is not as dangerous for the fetus as the initial exposure of the expectant mother to chickenpox. Infection of a child occurs in utero through the blood. Maternal zoster causes chickenpox in the newborn.
When a weakened body is affected, a pregnant woman experiences the first signs in the form of general malaise and colds without a cough or runny nose. After 2-3 days in the ribs or lumbar region red bumps swell, which is accompanied by burning pain and itching. As they develop, they degenerate into blisters with a cloudy liquid. Gradually the blisters merge into the area bigger size, and then dry out with the formation of crusts. The scabs fall off without scarring. After the rash, painful sensations may remain along the nerve trunks.
Diagnostics
When deployed clinical picture Diagnosis on the skin is not difficult. Possible misdiagnoses in the early stages of development during the incubation period. More accurate diagnosis placed when laboratory research secretions: microscopy, serological method, virus isolation in tissue cultures, immunofluorescence, PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Laboratory research methods are carried out in cases of detection of the disease in children with immunodeficiency, in infected infants, as well as in atypical forms of the virus.
Treatment of herpes zoster
The disease can proceed independently without complications. Treatment of herpes zoster on the body must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. It is used to reduce pain, speed up recovery and prevent complications. The drugs prescribed are analgesics, sedatives and hypnotics. Antiviral drugs, ointments and disinfectant solutions for external use are used. For neuralgic complications, physiotherapy is prescribed. Atypical forms of herpes require hospitalization and antibiotics.
Medications
Pain relief is key when treating shingles. Reducing pain helps the patient regain strength, breathe and move normally. In Russia, non-narcotic painkillers from the analgesic group are used, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. To reduce neuropathic pain, anticonvulsants similar to those prescribed for patients with epileptic syndrome are used. To heal ulcers, a prescription is necessary. antiviral ointments. Antiviral drugs are used to suppress zoster in the human body.
Antiviral drugs
Shingles is usually treated with acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. Acyclovir is an analogue of one of the normal components of DNA. Once in the human body, the drug undergoes a number of changes and is integrated into the structure of the virus, blocking the synthesis of the chain. The drug acts selectively without affecting the DNA of the carrier. Skin rashes Treat with acyclovir ointment.
Acyclovir drugs are prescribed for use in cases of infection with herpes of all forms and chickenpox. Forms of administration: intravenously, orally, externally (ointments, solutions). The advantage of the drug is its additional immunostimulating effect and safety, incl. for the child’s body and during lactation. Acyclovir is contraindicated for persons with hypersensitivity to its components, with renal failure and neuralgic disorders. The drug is well tolerated side effects are rarely observed.
Traditional methods
For decreasing pain syndrome, disinfection and speedy healing of ulcers at home, use:
- baths with sea salt and with the addition of iodine;
- compresses with alcohol tincture of wormwood, decoction of immortelle, elecampane, celandine;
- decoction peppermint used as a rub to reduce pain symptoms on affected areas of the skin;
- tincture of young walnuts is used at the healing stage, because has astringent properties and helps speed up the healing of scars.
Consequence
Consequences of suffering from lichen:
- Motor nerve palsy.
- Violations of internal organs (gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, lungs, liver).
- Decreased vision up to complete loss.
- Meningoencephalitis, which can lead to disability.
Consequences of herpes zoster in women over 50 years of age:
- Acute neuritis, postherpetic neuralgia. Pain symptoms And muscle spasms may be observed long time after full recovery, sometimes for years.
- Transverse myelitis, caused by damage to the nerve endings of several areas of the brain. The consequence is paralysis.
- Eye diseases: conjunctivitis, keratitis, glaucoma, lesion optic nerve, blindness.
- Photophobia, dizziness, fainting, hallucinations.
- Paralysis of arms, legs, intestines, Bladder, abdominal muscles.
Prevention
The basis of prevention for viral infections is antiviral therapy and vaccination. Important healthy immunity. To strengthen it, a healthy lifestyle, refusal to bad habits, nutritious nutrition, hardening, reasonable physical activity. It is recommended to stay at fresh air and limiting exposure to direct sun rays. Psychological condition man plays important role for the general condition of the body.
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Herpes zoster is a viral disease that is transmitted by airborne droplets or from sharing hygiene items with an infected person. The virus can exist in the human body for quite a long time and not show any symptoms. For example, once it enters a child’s body, it remains inactive, but can awaken at an older age or under favorable conditions.
Since the rashes affect not only the skin, but also the nerve endings, several specialists are involved in treatment (including inpatient conditions). It should also be noted that you can get rid of herpes zoster at home, but only after first consulting a doctor.
Having manifested itself in childhood, such a disease will affect the ability of the immune system to resist others. infectious diseases in adulthood. The herpes virus is contagious and is transmitted from one person to another, but since there are no characteristic manifestations that are detected immediately after infection, it becomes difficult to understand the reasons for the expression of the rash. But it is known for sure that absolutely anyone can acquire this disease, regardless of age and gender.
Damage to the skin and nervous system during the progression of herpes zoster is common and is treated by dermatologists and neurologists. Prolonged course of such a disease or ignoring treatment can lead to severe consequences. There is a lot of controversy in the medical field about the causes of its occurrence, how it is transmitted, and in general whether this virus is contagious or not.
Etiology
The causes of this disease are quite varied. Herpes zoster lies dormant in the human body for many years and even decades and can occur in the following cases:
- effects on weakened immunity of infections;
- taking large amounts of antidepressants or steroids;
- prolonged stress;
- overstraining the body with strong physical activity;
- the presence of cancerous tumors in the body;
- irradiation of the body;
- organ transplants;
- severe hypothermia of the body;
- various injuries.
The age group also has great importance to activate the virus. Young children who get sick very often are most susceptible to it. viral infections, and older people whose immunity is weakened due to age. Pregnant women are at risk, since during pregnancy the immune system does not work at full strength. This is explained by the fact that if the immune system were to attack the virus with full force, it would lead to the loss of the fetus.
Varieties
Depending on the causes of its occurrence, herpes zoster can be:
- typical shape;
- atypical shape.
The second form, in turn, is also divided into a number of subforms. Herpes zoster of atypical form can be of the following varieties:
- abortive - rashes are not observed or with a very slight spread, pain does not bother the patient at all or is accompanied by mild itching;
- bullous - the rashes are extensive and look like small transparent blisters;
- hemorrhagic - blood impurities can be seen in the blisters, after they heal, scars remain on the skin;
- gangrenous - expressed by the appearance of deep ulcers on the skin that take a long time to heal and leave behind rough scars;
- ophthalmological - the optic nerves are affected.
Symptoms
The symptoms of herpes zoster are exactly the same for adults, children and pregnant women. The disease is expressed:
- sensation of pain and burning on the skin. These discomfort sensations appear several hours earlier than the rash itself;
- severe pain, shooting in nature, in the muscles and joints that are located under the affected skin;
- numbness and tingling of the skin around the rash;
- the rash develops into blisters of various sizes, while the skin swells and acquires a reddish tint;
- changes in the size of the lymph nodes, if the rash is localized on chest, armpits, neck and lower chin;
- rashes may appear on the face, then cover the head, including the part with hair, go down to the chest and stomach, and from there move to the back, i.e., based on the name, they encircle the body.
At the beginning of the progression of the disease, the vesicles are filled with transparent exudate. But after a few days it becomes cloudy. Then these bubbles dry out and become covered with a crust, which also disappears over time. After the rash has completely healed, which happens about two weeks after the first signs, in some cases the ulcers and scars remain, and in others they do not.
Complications
If you start treatment on time, you can avoid the consequences of herpes zoster. But in case untimely application If you seek help, there is a high probability of complications, the most common of which is the presence of constant pain at the site of the rash. Consequences also include:
- loss of sensitivity in the area where the elements of the rash were localized;
- decreased visual acuity and inflammation of the eyeballs, which can lead to complete blindness (only if herpes appears on the face);
- purulent discharge due to intense scratching of dried blisters;
- demotion motor activity lower and upper limbs, up to paralysis;
- movement of the virus to internal organs with damage to the mucous membrane;
- facial paralysis;
Herpes zoster during pregnancy is dangerous because its consequences are dire. Its pathogenic activity can lead to infection of the fetus, miscarriage and stillbirth.
Diagnostics
Diagnosing herpes zoster is not difficult, since the disease has rashes characteristic only of it. To determine the full picture of the course of the disease and the form of its manifestation, the doctor needs to find out:
- whether the infection occurred after contact with a sick person;
- exact time of appearance of the rash;
- what sensations does the patient feel?
After this, a full examination of the patient is carried out to determine the location of the rash. Additional consultations with a gynecologist and ophthalmologist may also be necessary. In order to find out whether any accompanying pathological processes inside the body or not, it is carried out completely.
Treatment
More often, pathology therapy is carried out in a hospital setting to prevent transmission of the virus to other people, and also to ensure that the patient is under the constant supervision of medical specialists.
For the treatment of herpes zoster the following is used:
- painkillers that will relieve discomfort;
- medicinal ointments with lidocaine;
- drugs that strengthen the immune system;
- solution of brilliant green or fucorcin for treating bubbles;
- antiviral substances;
- antibiotics - to prevent complications.
In addition, during treatment it will be useful to maintain personal hygiene and regularly change underwear and bed linen. During the course of the disease, you should limit yourself from taking baths - all procedures should be performed in the shower. You also need to dry yourself thoroughly to avoid hypothermia and re-rash.
For complications such as inflammation of the brain and spinal cord or their membranes, the patient needs to be treated only in a hospital for three to six months.
But these are not all the ways to treat herpes zoster. Therapy for such a disease can be carried out at home using folk remedies, but only after prior consultation with a doctor. It is important to know that treatment with folk remedies should not be independent, but rather taken in conjunction with other methods.
At home, treatment for herpes zoster consists of wiping the rash using:
- natural oils - fir, sea buckthorn, geranium and tea tree;
- aloe juice;
- cream of garlic and honey;
- fried onion compress;
- a lotion of undiluted apple cider vinegar.
A compress soaked in... cold water towels, but you should apply it only briefly so as not to worsen the wound healing process.
Also, treatment at home consists of ingesting infusions and decoctions from:
- mint;
- rosehip;
- hawthorn;
- eucalyptus.
In addition, at home you can drink without restrictions herbal teas and freshly squeezed juices.
Prevention
Prevention of herpes zoster consists of:
- limiting communication and contact with people with chickenpox in order to avoid transmission of the virus. It is important to remember exactly how the infectious agent is transmitted in order to protect yourself;
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- strengthening the immune system, especially during pregnancy;
- performing moderate daily physical activity;
- hardening;
- proper rest - sleep should be at least eight hours;
- balanced diet enriched with vitamins and nutrients. It is better to eat small meals five or six times a day;
- Do not share cutlery and personal hygiene products with an infected person, as there is a possibility of transmitting the virus.
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