What is Shingles?
is a disease that occurs when the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) becomes active again. In individuals who have had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells and can be reactivated by certain triggers (stress, fatigue, infections). Shingles manifests itself with blisters and severe pain in a specific area of skin, usually on one side of the body.
Symptoms of Shingles
The symptoms of shingles are usually as follows:
- Early Symptoms: Feelings of numbness, tingling and pain in the body.
- Bubble Shedding: The formation of fluid-filled blisters accompanied by severe pain.
- Headache: Patients often complain of headaches.
- High Fever and Fatigue: In some cases, high fever and general fatigue may also occur.
Shingles Treatment
Treatment for shingles should begin as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Early diagnosis, increases treatment success. It is recommended to start treatment within the first 3 days after the rash appears.
Treatment usually includes the following methods:
- Antiviral Drugs: Medicines such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir help prevent the spread of the virus.
- Pain Management: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications may be used to relieve pain.
- Prevention of Bacterial Infections: Antiseptic care is important to prevent blisters from becoming infected.
Consulting a Dermatologist for Shingles
Shingles is not limited to skin lesions. When it occurs in the face and eye area, can lead to serious health problems such as blindness. Since shingles lesions, especially in the eye, can cause permanent vision loss, patients with suspected shingles It is very important to consult a dermatologist at an early stage..
Shingles Vaccine and Precautions
In recent years, vaccines developed against the shingles virus have also begun to be used in Türkiye. The elderly, those with weak immune systems and in people who have had severe shingles before vaccination Vaccination against shingles virus plays an important role in reducing the risk of the disease recurring.
Misconceptions About Shingles
There is a lot of misinformation in society about shingles. It is necessary to pay attention to this misinformation:
- Misunderstanding: Shingles is not only seen in older people. In fact, it can occur in any age group.
- Misconception That the Virus Is Not Contagious: Shingles is not directly contagious, but contact with a person who has chickenpox can cause a person who carries the shingles virus to become infected.
Psychological Effects of Shingles
Shingles can cause not only physical but also psychological effects. Severe pain and long-term recovery can negatively affect patients' mental state. Therefore, it is important for patients to receive psychological support. support groups ve psychotherapycan play an important role in the healing process.
Preventing Shingles
Some precautions that can be taken to prevent shingles include:
- Strengthening the Immune System: A balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep help strengthen the immune system.
- Stress Management: Meditation, yoga and deep breathing techniques are effective in reducing stress.
- Vaccination Applications: The shingles vaccine provides significant protection, especially for individuals in risk groups.
Shingles is a disease that should be taken seriously. Early diagnosis and treatment play a critical role in preventing complications. Therefore, when you see symptoms of shingles, you should definitely consult a specialist.
