Shingles - information and specialists

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful viral disease that affects many people. In this text, we would like to give you a comprehensive overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of shingles. You will also find selected specialists for the treatment of shingles.

Definition: What is shingles?

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains hidden in an inactive state in the body, in the nerve cells, particularly in the spinal cord and the cranial nerve ganglion. Years later, the virus can become active again and cause shingles.

Causes of shingles

The main cause of shingles is the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the body. The exact reasons for reactivation are not always clear, but certain factors can increase the risk, including

• A weakened immune system due to illness, stress or medication
• Advanced age, as the immune system can lose efficiency over time
• Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can affect the immune system

Shingles typically manifests as a painful rash in the form of blisters on one side of the body @ ryanking999 / AdobeStock

Symptoms of shingles

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs you should look out for. These include:

• Skin rash: A characteristic symptom of shingles is a skin rash that often appears in the form of blisters. This rash usually appears on one side of the body and follows a striped or belt-like pattern. The blisters may be filled with clear or cloudy contents and are accompanied by redness and swelling.
• Pain: Shingles is often accompanied by severe pain, which may be accompanied by a burning, stinging or pulling sensation. The pain may begin before the rash appears and can be very intense.
• Numbness or tingling: Many people with shingles experience numbness or tingling in the affected skin area before the rash appears. These sensations can be uncomfortable and may indicate nerve irritation.
• General malaise: Shingles can be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, fever and headaches. These general symptoms can make you feel weak and exhausted.
• Itching: The rash of shingles can cause severe itching, which can be very distressing. It is important to avoid the urge to scratch as this can lead to infection and complications.
• Sensitivity to touch: The affected area of skin may be sensitive to touch and even slightly painful. This can make normal activities such as wearing clothes uncomfortable.

Symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks and in some cases can be very intense. It is important to note that the symptoms of shingles can vary from person to person and that not everyone experiences all of the symptoms. However, if you notice one or more of these symptoms and suspect you have shingles, please seek medical attention immediately.

Diagnosis of shingles

Shingles is usually diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms and the characteristic rash. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and carry out a physical examination. In some cases, laboratory tests may be performed to confirm the presence of the varicella zoster virus.

• Clinical examination: Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and ask about your medical history. You will be asked about your symptoms, the appearance of the rash and possible triggers.
• Medical history: Your doctor will ask about previous infections with chickenpox or possible exposure to the varicella-zoster virus. People who have had chickenpox have a higher risk of developing shingles later in life.
• Lab tests: In some cases, your doctor may order lab tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which can detect the presence of varicella zoster virus in blood or vesicle samples.
• Differential diagnosis: Your doctor will also want to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms, such as herpes simplex, eczema or bacterial infections.

A laboratory test can detect the presence of the varicella zoster virus @ kitsawet / AdobeStock

Treatment of shingles

The treatment of shingles aims to alleviate the symptoms, shorten the course of the disease and prevent complications. These include:

• Antiviral medication: Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to inhibit the replication of the varicella-zoster virus and shorten the course of shingles. Commonly prescribed antiviral medications include acyclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir.
• Pain relief: Pain is a common symptom of shingles and can be very distressing. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort. Prescription painkillers may also be required for severe pain.
• Topical treatments: Topical creams or lotions can help relieve itching, burning and irritation on the skin. Your doctor may recommend that you apply a soothing cream or gel to the affected areas of skin to relieve discomfort.
• Corticosteroids: In some cases, medications containing corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of complications such as post-zoster neuralgia. These medications can be taken orally or administered as an injection.
• Self-care: It is important to take good care of yourself while you are recovering from shingles. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy meals to boost your immune system and help your body recover.
• Avoid scratching: Although it can be tempting to scratch the itch, it's important not to scratch the affected areas of skin as this can lead to infection and complications. Keep your nails short and use cooling compresses if necessary to relieve itching.

It is important to take the medication prescribed by your doctor exactly as directed and to follow the recommended treatment methods.

Shingles is usually treated by a general practitioner or family doctor. In some cases, a dermatologist, a specialist in skin diseases, may also be involved in the treatment, especially if the rash and skin symptoms are more severe or require specialized treatments.

Prevention of shingles

The best prevention against shingles is vaccination. The herpes zoster vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of shingles and its complications in older adults. You can also reduce your risk by taking the following measures:

• A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep can strengthen the immune system.
• Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises can help to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.
• Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or shingles, especially if your immune system is weakened.

The best prevention against shingles is the herpes zoster vaccination @ Zerbor / AdobeStock

Prognosis and conclusion

In most cases, the prognosis for people with shingles is good. Most patients make a full recovery, although the healing process can take a few weeks. However, some people may develop long-term complications such as post-zoster neuralgia, which can occur months or even years after recovery.

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have shingles. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and speed up the recovery process.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that this information is intended as general guidelines and is not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. Your doctor can give you individualized advice tailored to your specific situation.