Shingles

Shingles is a skin infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (shingles or zona). This virus usually causes chicken pox during childhood. After someone has chickenpox, the virus remains in the nerve nodes of the body, present as it were, but dormant (i.e. latent). The virus can flare up again at any time and cause shingles.

Zona or shingles looks like a red band-shaped zone on the skin with blisters on the surface. Zona is contagious through the moisture from these vesicles. Once they have dried to crusts, they are no longer contagious. Zona occurs in a zone or area (i.e. dermatome) that is supplied by one particular nerve. This nerve originates from a nerve node where the virus resides.

Zona can be seen anywhere on the body. It is most common on the torso. Zona causes itching, but also often pain. It is nerve pain that can feel like burning, stinging, pricking and/or tingling.

Even after the disappearance of the skin lesions, the pain may persist for several months to years. This is called post-herpetic pain. The risk of this nerve pain increases with age.

The diagnosis of shingles or zona is made by the doctor based on what he or she sees on the skin and the symptoms the patient describes. If there are blisters, a swab is sometimes taken from the fluid in the blisters to confirm which virus is involved.

A mild form of shingles in a healthy person is not always treated. The immune system is then capable of clearing the infection.

Shingles treatment consists of antiviral medication. This is given in tablet form. If the zona is very extensive or the patient's immune system is suppressed, the medication is administered through IV.

In addition to antiviral treatment, all patients are advised to use drying lotions to quickly dry up the skin lesions. These injuries normally heal without scarring.

Since it is often a painful condition, treatment is also provided to control nerve pain. Traditional pain medication is often insufficient for this. Specific medication is then given for this, which is also used for depression or epilepsy.

Latest publication date: 15/05/2024