Herpes zoster.

Herpetic infection haunts us almost from the earliest childhood. Virtually 90% of the world's population are carriers of the herpes virus of one type or another. Many, after carrying in childhood chickenpox (chicken pox) forever remain carriers of this infection. With the relapse of herpesvirus infection after a chicken pox, the disease manifests itself as herpes zoster. The virus settles in the nerve cells and "sits" there, wrapping itself, until there are favorable conditions for the onset of an exacerbation. This, as a rule, occurs with a decrease in immunity, when the resistance of the body to the action of the infectious agent is minimal.

What is herpes zoster?

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus as chicken pox (Herpes Zoster), but in children who first encountered this pathogen, the disease manifests itself as chicken pox. And in adults or with repeated disease, it manifests itself locally as herpes zoster or in another way, shingles.

Clinically, the disease is different from chickenpox. Primarily there are unpleasant sensations on the skin, pain (burning or spilled), which is aggravated by movements, tingling at the site of future eruptions, which is very similar to intercostal neuralgia (with which it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis). This may slightly increase the temperature, worsen overall health, there is sluggishness and malaise. In some cases, there may be nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite.

The sensitivity of the skin decreases at the site of the lesion, after scarring, the sensitivity can not be restored completely.

After two or three days, a papular-vesicular rash appears on the reddened areas of the skin. Since the virus affects the cells of the nervous tissue, rashes usually appear along the nerve trunks, as a rule, there are intercostal nerves that are located around the chest (due to what the disease got its name). The rash, as a rule, is plentiful local, consists of bubbles with light transparent contents. After one or two weeks, the vesicles are emptied and dried in the form of crusts, accompanied by a strong itch. When combing the skin, in place of the crusts are formed scars. In some cases it is possible to infect the wound (in contact with dirty hands) and to attach a bacterial infection. With very low immunity, generalization of the process and deterioration of the condition, which requires hospitalization in a hospital, can occur.

The disease is more common in the elderly and in children with reduced immunity (for cancer, HIV and other secondary immunodeficiencies).

Treatment of herpes on the body.

First of all, the treatment is aimed at strengthening immunity, where all kinds of methods are used, as well as immunomodulating and immunostimulating drugs. As the etiotropic therapy, treatment of the herpes virus, the following antiviral drugs are used: Gerpevir, Acyclovir, Acic, Zovirax and others. Used as ointments for topical application to the skin, and tablets for oral (through the mouth) reception for complex effects on the virus.

There are also injections that are applied by the courses (one to two courses per year), make five injections with interruptions in three days. Experience shows that after several courses, the number of relapses decreases to one or two times a year. There is also antiherpetic immunoglobulin, which modulates the immunity against the given virus.

If you notice any rashes on your body, accompanied by unpleasant sensations, it is necessary to consult a doctor for advice.