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Herpes Zoster

Updated: Nov 7, 2023


Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster (Shingles) is infection that results in the formation of painful red skin rashes due to reactivation of Varicella-Zoster Virus from its latent state present in a posterior dorsal root ganglion. Any person who suffered from chickenpox or received chickenpox vaccine in the past may possibly develop shingles.

Even children can get shingles. However, the probability of getting the disease increases with increasing age, generally above 60 years. Symptoms usually begin with pain and followed by rashes in 2 to 3 days by a vesicular eruption that is usually diagnostic.

Causes


Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is causative factor of Herpes Zoster Infection. Anyone infected with chickenpox before may develop shingles and after recovery from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant within dorsal root ganglia of the nerve cells for years. Ultimately, virus may get reactivated and results in second encounter is called herpes zoster or shingles.


Triggering And Risk Factor For Reactivation

  • External exposure to virus.

  • Age factor, older than 50. The risk increases with age.

  • Immuno-compromised disease as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can increase the risk of shingles.

  • Radiation or chemotherapy during cancer can lower your resistance to diseases and may trigger shingles.

  • Having Medications. Drugs used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs can increase your risk of shingles - as can extended use of steroids, such as prednisone.

  • Emotional Stress and trauma.

Ayurveda View For Cause Of Herpes Zoster


In this disease, the pitta dosha is responsible factor for the eruption of reddish painful boils in the hands, armpit, shoulders, eyes and waist.


The disease eruptions peculiarly occurs in a single line resembling the sacred thread (yagyopaveet) hence it has been named Zoster.


Sign And Symptoms


SYMPTOMS APPEAR ON ONLY TO LIMITED AREA ON ONE SIDE:

  • Pain, burning, numbness or tingling is usually the first symptoms to appear.

  • Sensitivity to touch.

  • A red rash follows in 2-3 days after the pain.

  • Fluid-filled blisters follows rash which then break open and crust over and it eventually fall off in 2-4 weeks.

OTHER SYMPTOMS ALSO INCLUDE:

  • Fever and chills

  • Fatigue and Muscle weakness

  • Headache

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Joint Pain

  • Swollen glands

AREA AFFECTED ON THE BODY ARE:

  • The rash commonly includes a narrow area from the spine around to the front of the abdomen or chest.

  • The rash may involve the face, eyes, mouth, and ears difficulty moving some of the muscles in the face causing:-

  1. Hearing loss

  2. Loss of eye motion

  3. Taste Problems

  4. Vision Problem


Complications

  • Post-herpetic neuralgia. Happens when damaged nerve fibers send confused and exaggerated messages of pain from your skin to your brain.

  • Vision loss. In case Shingles appears in or around an eye (ophthalmic shingles) can cause painful eye infections, causing loss of vision.

  • Neurological problems. Depending on the nerves affected, shingles might lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or hearing or balance problems.

  • Skin infections. If shingles blisters are not controlled may results in bacterial skin infections.


Measures To Prevent Others From Herpes Zoster Infection

  • Keep the rashes covered.

  • Try to make least scratching or contact with the rash.

  • Regular hand-washing should be kept as a habit.

  • Avoid any contact with pregnant women who never suffered from chickenpox or not even had varicella vaccine.

  • Avoid the contact with Premature or low birth weight infants.

Certain Herbs Useful In Herpes Zoster Infection

  • Lemon Herb - A cup of herbal tea prepared by adding a few leaves lemon herb, is found effective in 0Shingles infection

  • Chamomile - antiviral herb and chamomile bath can be very beneficial to get relief from the symptoms of shingles infection.

  • Mullein - Leaves as well flowers of this herb provide relief from pain caused due to shingle


Herbal Remedies For Herpes Zoster

Planet Ayurveda offers best combination of effective herbal remedies such as Skin Care Pack for ayurvedic treatment of Herpes Zoster. These herbal remedies contains natural herbs, which are very beneficial in the treatment of Herpes Zoster.







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