2024-03-14 16:43:00
Shingles is a disease caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus, occurring in a person who has already had chickenpox, often during childhood. The virus remains hidden in the nerve roots and, one day, it can become active again and cause a new rash, often on the chest, but can also affect other parts of the body. This is called shingles, or“herpes zoster.
What are the first signs of shingles? How to treat them?
Of the red blisters along a painful nervefrom feverof the headache : all these signs suggest shingles. This viral infection, caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, causes unpleasant symptoms and, often, intense pain.
Pour poser le diagnosticyour attending physician examines you. “In general, no additional examination is necessary because the lesions are characteristic,” specifies the Health Insurance website (source 1).
The shingles treatment consists of avoiding secondary infection linked to lesions and relieving pain. Dr Marc Perrussel, dermatologist.
The sooner treatment begins, the sooner and more completely the symptoms will be relieved. Ideally, it should be prescribed within the first three days of onset of illness. Hence the importance of consulting your doctor at the first symptoms. Shingles usually heals in 2 to 3 weeks.
Shingles ophthalmicus
An ophthalmological opinion may be necessary in certain cases, in particular “if the shingles is located in the upper part of the facebecause it can reach the eye (ophthalmic shingles)”, underlines Health Insurance. Your GP will then refer you to an ophthalmologist.
How to avoid superinfection of skin lesions?
To avoid superinfection of the lesions, it is recommended to use a local antiseptic. In case of itching, the doctor prescribes a antihistamine which limits the risk of infection by preventing the patient from scratching.
Daily, a few actions also help to avoid superinfection of the lesions:
cut your nails; wear loose clothing to limit friction; use a rich soap; do not use talcum powder; apply cold water compresses to relieve the lesions.
A regular monitoring of vesicles is essential in order to check that they do not become infected.
How to limit the pain linked to the disease?
In addition, painkillers help limit the pain associated with shingles. In immunocompromised patients, such as those taking corticosteroids or suffering from cancer, shingles is more inflammatory and causes significant pain. The deficiency of antibodies prevents optimal control of the virus, warns the dermatologist. Before continuing: « When chickenpox in childhood was weak, the risk of developing shingles is greater. »
In case of residual pain, we must not neglect certain non-drug therapies such as cryotherapy (application of cold) or electrostimulation (TENS).
An antiretroviral to prevent post-herpetic complications
“If the pain persists after the shingles has healed (post-herpetic pain), do not practice self-medication by taking painkillers without medical advice”, recommends Health Insurance. Consult your doctor who may decide to implement (or continue) pain treatment. If pain appears after recovery from the disease, specific treatment will be prescribed by a neurologist.
Provided they are administered quickly, oral antiretrovirals have proven their effectiveness in the treatment of shingles, in the prevention of complications and post-shingles pain. Among existing medications, Zelitrex is frequently prescribed for one week for this indication. Of the local anesthetics (lidocaine plasters for example) can be used to temporarily relieve post-herpetic pain.
How to quickly treat severe or extensive shingles?
Severe forms of shingles require treatment with antivirals and monitoring. “The doctor, depending on your age, your immune status and the location of the shingles, may decide to give you an oral antiviral medication (valaciclovir or famciclovir)”, explains Health Insurance. To be effective, treatment must be started as soon as possible (within 72 hours after the start of the rash).
“The doctor can prescribe you stronger pain medications. These are analgesics (tramadol, etc.) or other families of drugs which are not analgesics but which act on neuropathic pain (gabapentin or clomipramine for example)”.
Finally, hospitalization may be necessary and painkillers and antivirals may be administered to you by injection.
What are the natural treatments for shingles?
There are some natural ways to relieve the itch and pain associated with shingles, notes the Canadian website Salut Bonjour (source 2).
Apply a calamine-based lotion to the blisters; Apply cool, damp compresses; Take a bath in water containing corn starch or colloidal oat flour.
A word of advice: make sure the blisters are completely dry and clean and avoid using adhesive dressings and bandages.
Certain plants are also known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties: this is for example the case of Roman chamomile. It also has analgesic and calming properties. You can use it in herbal medicine (glycerin extract) or in the form of essential oil.
Natural treatments to relieve the symptoms of shingles do not replace basic treatment and a medical consultation.
How to prevent shingles in general?
To prevent shingles, you must avoid contracting chickenpox. A person who has never had chickenpox should be careful not to touch the blisters on the skin of someone who has chickenpox or shingles.
It exists today two vaccines against shingles, also effective in preventing persistent pain after the disappearance of shingles.
Zostavax®, marketed since 2015, is reimbursed at 30% by Health Insurance for seniors aged 65 to 74. But now (source 3), a new Shingrix®, more effective than Zostavax®, is preferentially recommended among those aged 65 and over. Shingrix® is also recommended for all immunocompromised adults. It has not yet been refunded.
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