Herpes zoster, which causes two diseases - chicken pox and shingles, is quite common throughout the globe and is very easily transmitted from person to person. In adulthood, the second clinical form of this infection is more often diagnosed. It develops with the activation of a virus that remains in the human body in a latent ("sleeping") state after a chickenpox born in childhood, arising from "first acquaintance" with herpes zoster. Next, consider what symptoms are herpes zoster, and what treatment is prescribed for this pathology.
Symptoms of herpes zoster
The activation of the virus after the cure of varicella in the nerve cells is provoked by a decrease in human immunity. Mechanisms of activation of infection are not fully understood, but it is known that after this it leaves the nerve cells and moves along their processes. When the virus reaches the end of the nerve, it causes damage to the part of the body innervated by this nerve. This is manifested by such symptoms as:
- rash;
- strong pain;
- itching;
- burning.
As a rule, rashes are formed on one side of the body in the region of the nerve segment, along which the infection progressed. They can also appear along the nerve trunks of the head, arms, legs. Such cutaneous lesions are initially limited pink spots, where after a day or two, numerous bubbles with transparent contents appear. Over time, the contents of the bubbles grow turbid, then they dry up and form crusts.
Other symptoms may include:
- increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- enlargement of lymph nodes .
Sometimes herpes zoster affects the eyes, ears, and also causes the development of complications - motor paralysis, pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, etc. Also there are atypical cases of the disease, in which there may be no pain or rashes, there are rashes of another type or rashes that cover the entire body.
Treatment of herpes zoster
Antiviral drugs (Acyclovir, Valaciclovir, Famciclovir) are prescribed for suppressing the virus, the effect of which will be positive if they start taking the medication in the first 72 hours of the illness. The remaining medicines for the treatment of the herpes zoster virus are symptomatic remedies for pain, itching, fever. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants. Also prescribed drugs to enhance immune protection and external means for the early healing of rashes.
Treatment of herpes zoster folk remedies
Medicamental treatment prescribed by a doctor can be supplemented with folk remedies.
Ointment Recipe
Ingredients:
- garlic - 50 g;
- castor oil - 100 ml.
Preparation and use
Shredded fresh garlic pour oil, put in the oven and simmer for three hours at 50-70 degrees. Then cool, strain and lubricate the lesions three times a day.