Most people believe that the transfer of chickenpox eliminates the risk of re-development of the disease. However, the herpes virus that provokes it, remains in the body and can easily become more active, especially if the immune system worsens. In such cases, shingles develop - symptoms and treatment in adults of this pathology are different from the symptoms and therapy of chickenpox, although both diseases are caused by the same virus Herpes zoster .
Symptoms of shingles in adults
The typical form of the described affliction in the early stages is characterized by the following non-specific signs:
- increase (not strong) body temperature, up to 37.5-38 degrees;
- slight malaise, a feeling of fatigue;
- weak neurologic pain in the area of future eruptions;
- skin tingling sensation;
- Sometimes it is an easy itch and peeling of the epidermis.
In general, the clinical picture resembles the onset of acute respiratory infections or ARI, so it is almost impossible to diagnose shingles at this stage of development.
Further progression of the virus in the body is accompanied by such symptoms:
- appearance of pink spots along the intercostal nerve trunk and trigeminal nerve;
- swelling of the skin in the rash area;
- the transformation of spots after 3-4 days into papules and small bubbles with a clear liquid inside;
- severe pain in the skin lesions;
- increased nearby lymph nodes;
- drying blisters after 6-8 days;
- the formation of brownish-yellow crusts after bursting of bubbles, their disappearance;
- presence of pain along the course of damaged nerves (postherpetic neuralgia).
The total duration of herpes zoster is about 3-4 weeks, rarely - up to 10 days. Pain syndrome can bother longer, for months and even years.
With atypical forms of the disease, these symptoms are sometimes absent, but more often pathology causes dangerous complications - encephalitis, myelitis, necrosis of tissues and others.
Treatment of symptoms of herpes zoster in an adult
The disease under consideration usually ends with complete recovery even without appropriate therapy, but it is easier for people to bear it if there are funds that facilitate the symptoms of herpes infection.
One of the main points of treatment of pathology is anesthesia. For this, various anti-inflammatory drugs without steroids are used:
- Ketorolac;
- Ibuprofen;
- Ketoprofen;
- Naproxen;
- Dexketoprofen;
- Paracetamol.
Treatment of symptoms of herpes zoster on the face suggests applying local anesthetics, for example, gels with lidocaine. With intense pain, Oxycodone, Gabapentin (anticonvulsants) are prescribed. They reduce not only inflammation, but also itching, relieve swelling and skin irritation.
In some cases, therapy with corticosteroid drugs and antidepressants is indicated. Usually such means are required in the presence of a strong pain syndrome and pronounced postherpetic neuralgia.
The main treatment of herpes zoster in adults
In addition to symptomatic therapy, basic treatment of the present infection is practiced. The antiviral effect is carried out by means of special medicines:
- Zovirax ;
- Acyclovir;
- Virolex;
- Pentocyclophyres;
- Valtrex;
- Famciclovir;
- Valaciclovir.
It is important to start therapy on time with the listed means. They produce the desired effect if used within the first 72 hours after the onset of the first rash. It is desirable to simultaneously use both the external form of drugs and oral tablets.