subject: Herpes Zoster - What You Should Know About This Virus [print this page] Herpes zoster is a virus that can cause infection of the nerves more commonly known as shingles. They come from the varicella zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. After being infected by chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus stays in the body's nervous system in a dormant state. It later reactivates changes into the herpes zoster virus, finally causing the symptoms of shingles to manifest. Contrary to common belief, shingles is viral in nature and not caused by nervousness or anxiety. It is also not related to the virus that causes herpes, the sexually transmitted disease.
Anybody that had been infected by chickenpox has a high chance of experiencing shingles. However, statistics show that majority of people that get diagnosed with shingles are over 50 years old. However, there have been documented instances of children being diagnosed with shingles.
The herpes zoster infection starts out as reddish spots over an area of the body. These spots then turn into watery blisters. Eventually, they dry out and become crusty. The entire process normally takes a couple of weeks, but can take up to a couple of months. Herpes zoster runs along the nerves in order to reach the skin, causing intense pain as well as causing inflammation and nerve damage.
A good way to treat the rash is by applying compress with diluted vinegar for up to 10 minutes twice a day. This will help the rash clear up faster and can provide comfort. The blisters must not be opened, and the crusts should not be removed to avoid bacterial infections from occuring. Once all the blisters are completely dried up, you should stop applying the compress. Instead, rub a small amount of petrolatum about thrice a day to prevent the skin from being dried and cracked.
Natural herpes zoster treatments can effectively reduce the duration of the symptoms by several days. Acyclovir, an oral medication can speed up the healing process of the rash, although it does not stop the burning sensation, but Tylenol can help patients deal with mild pain. Severe pain is treated by prescription painkillers, such as Cortisone, another medication taken orally. Cortisone also helps in treating inflammation of the infected nerves.
Even if the rash completely disappears, the painful sensation could still persist much longer since the nerve cells heal a lot slower. Sometimes the painful sensation can last up to about four to six months.
Herpes Zoster - What You Should Know About This Virus
