[Health Column] 7 Key Things to Know if You're Experiencing Early Symptoms of Shingles

Choi Woo-hyuk ledger

 

 

Hello, this is Director Choi Woo-hyuk.

 

Shingles is a disease that requires caution at this time of year when immunity is easily weakened due to large daily temperature fluctuations. In this article, All information about shingles, including early symptoms, contagiousness, causes, recovery period, self-diagnosis and self-treatment, and treatment. I would like to organize it for you.

 

 

Shingles is A disease in which the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) remains dormant and becomes active when immunity is weakened. It is usually caused by infection in childhood, causing chickenpox, and then lying dormant around the nerves without any symptoms, and then coming out through the nerves when the immune system is weakened. A disease that causes skin rashes and severe pain no see.

 

 

Early symptoms of shingles

 

Early symptoms of shingles If you have pain and a red rash There are many. It usually appears on one side, and if you divide the body in half with the head as the center, the rash appears on only one side and does not spread to the other side. It most often appears on the torso or buttocks, but it can appear anywhere, including the face, arms, and legs. The rash appears 2-3 days after the pain occurs, and it may be accompanied by severe pain, fever, and headache. The blisters last for about 2-3 weeks, and after the blisters disappear, pustules and crusts form, and then gradually disappear. Recognizing these early symptoms of shingles and treating them promptly can help reduce the severity of the disease and shorten its duration.

 

 

Shingles symptoms

 

 

Shingles symptoms are usually A painful, red rash on one side of the body or face . Within a few days, this rash may develop into fluid-filled blisters. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and headache, may also occur. Especially in people over 50, pain that persists after the rash subsides (postherpetic neuralgia) may also occur.

 

 

Shingles contagiousness

Shingles Although the contagiousness is low, people who have not been exposed to the chickenpox virus should be careful. You should. Shingles and chickenpox are the same virus, so being infected with this virus can cause chickenpox. Because the blisters that result from shingles are contagious, direct contact should be avoided to prevent transmission of the virus. You are usually contagious for 2-3 days after the rash begins, and if it persists for longer, you may be contagious for up to 7 days. This period may vary from person to person, but In the early stages, when the blisters have subsided and all the blisters have crusted over, there is little chance of transmission. You can rest assured at this time.

 

 

Why do you get shingles?

The main reason for getting shingles is weakened immunity It is in. A weakened immune system is not only due to natural aging or old age, but also has various causes such as AIDS, organ transplant, chemotherapy/radiation therapy, use of immunosuppressants, stress, illness, and accidents. Even in people who have had chickenpox, if their immune system is significantly weakened, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. For this reason, shingles is more likely to occur in adults over 50-60 years of age, who have a weakened immune system, so prevention and immune management are important.

 

 

Shingles recovery period

Shingles recovery period Usually about 2 to 4 weeks The recovery period varies depending on the individual's immune response and the severity of symptoms, but skin lesions usually heal within 2 to 4 weeks. However, If you have neuralgia, the pain lasts for more than 6 months. Additional care may be required as this may be necessary.

 

 

Self-diagnosis and self-treatment

Shingles Self-Diagnosis Shingles can be difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions because its symptoms are similar to those of other skin conditions.

▷ Do you feel a tingling or itching sensation in a specific area of ​​your skin?
▷ Do you have any local pain or burning sensation?
▷ Is the rash or blisters concentrated on one side of your body?
▷ Do you have any systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or headache?

If you experience these symptoms, you may suspect shingles, and it is recommended that you consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.

 

 

How to self-treat shingles The effect is small, and the most certain way to treat it is Taking antiviral medication as soon as possible However, if it is difficult to take antiviral medication immediately, pain can be temporarily controlled through methods such as cold compresses, use of general pain relievers, and rest.

 

 

however Golden time for shingles treatment If treatment is not sought within 72 hours of the first rash appearing, the severity of the pain may increase or the duration of the illness may be prolonged. Therefore, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible when the initial symptoms of shingles appear.

 

 

Shingles treatment

 

Treatment of shingles is mainly Use antiviral drugs to suppress the activity of the virus and relieve symptoms Antiviral drugs can cause rashes It is more effective if administered within the first 72 hours. If the pain is severe, additional painkillers or tranquilizers may be prescribed. Applying soothing ointments or applying compresses to the affected area can help alleviate discomfort. Furthermore, adopting lifestyle habits that strengthen the immune system can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

 

Shingles is a disease that can easily occur when the immune system is weakened, and it can lead to aftereffects like neuralgia, so early treatment is crucial. Middle-aged and older adults are particularly at risk, so vaccination is recommended even if they have no symptoms. Focusing on prevention and management, as well as maintaining immune-boosting lifestyle habits, is helpful. We encourage you to reduce your risk of shingles by living a healthy lifestyle and maintain physical and mental stability.

 

 

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

Graduated from Korea University's College of Life Sciences
Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine
Kyung Hee University Hospital Resident
Regular member of the Korean Society of Dermatology

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