Shingles (Herpes Zoster) – How to Recognize It in Time and What Really Helps?
Nurit Rozenblat
Skin & Wellness Magazine
Sometimes shingles begins with no rash at all. A feeling of burning, tingling, or strange pain on one side of the body. At first, you might think it is a pulled muscle or a local skin irritation.
But it is precisely at this stage that it is important to be alert.
What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate even decades later.
The disease is more common after the age of 50 and in people whose immune system is weakened.
How do we recognize it early?
The first signs can be:
- Burning, tingling, or a feeling of electric currents in the skin.
- Pain or sensitivity to touch on one side of the body.
- Itching in a focused area.
- The appearance of red spots and later small blisters.
The rash usually appears on one side of the body, sometimes in the form of a band along the back, the abdomen, or the chest.
The first 24 hours – why are they important?
If characteristic pain and blisters appear on one side of the body, it is best not to wait.
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to check whether it is shingles and to start appropriate treatment.
One of the commonly used medications is acyclovir (Acyclovir), also known by the name Zovirax. There are also medications such as valacyclovir and famciclovir.
The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of shortening the course of the disease and reducing the severity of the symptoms.
It is advisable to start treatment already within the first day after the rash appears, if possible. The treatment is considered especially effective when started within 72 hours of the appearance of the rash.
Even if more than 72 hours have passed, it is still important to see a doctor, especially if new blisters continue to appear.
What can be done at home to calm the skin?
Cold compress
What do we need?
- A soft, clean cotton towel.
- A bowl of cool water.
How to use it
- Wet the towel in the cool water.
- Wring it out gently.
- Place it on the irritated area for 5–10 minutes.
- Remove it and dry the skin with gentle patting.
The action can be repeated several times a day.
Oatmeal bath
A lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal may soothe the feeling of itching and dryness.
Add colloidal oatmeal to the lukewarm water according to the manufacturer's instructions, stay in the bath for about 10–15 minutes, and dry gently.
And what about vitamin D and geranium oil?
Vitamin D is important for the proper functioning of the immune system, but there is currently no sufficient proof that taking high doses of it treats shingles or speeds up recovery.
It is especially important to avoid taking 40,000 international units (IU) a day without medical instruction and supervision. This is a very high dose that can cause toxicity and kidney damage.
Combining a cream containing vitamin D with geranium essential oil is also not a proven treatment for the disease. Geranium oil may cause irritation or an allergic reaction, and therefore it is not recommended to apply it to an active rash or blisters.
If the skin is dry and irritated, you can consult a doctor or pharmacist about a suitable soothing preparation, such as calamine.
Is shingles contagious?
The disease itself does not pass from person to person as shingles, but the virus can cause chickenpox in someone who has not had it and has not been vaccinated in the past.
Until the blisters dry and crust over, it is important to cover the rash, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid contact with people at risk.
Don't forget – today there is a vaccine!
There is a vaccine called Shingrix, which significantly reduces the risk of getting shingles and developing complications.
In the United States the vaccine is recommended in two doses for adults aged 50 and over, and also for some adults aged 19 and over whose immune system is weakened.
Even someone who has had shingles in the past may benefit from the vaccine, after recovering.
Did you know?
About one in three people in the United States is expected to develop shingles during their lifetime.
One of the possible complications is prolonged nerve pain, which can remain even after the rash disappears.
That is why, in my eyes, the most important message is not to ignore a feeling of burning or unexplained pain on one side of the body, especially if a rash begins to appear.
Early recognition and timely treatment can make a significant difference.
A rash in the area of the eye or the nose, a change in vision, or a suspicion of the disease in a person with a weakened immune system require urgent medical attention.
Skin & Wellness Magazine | OrOrgani
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