When tired, your skin may feel 'itchy and stinging'... Could it be shingles symptoms?

 

Shingles appear immediately if there is an issue with immunity.

Herpes zoster, meaning 'band-shaped rash,' is a disease characterized by pain on the skin along with striped rashes and blisters. The herpes zoster virus lies dormant in the 'ganglia' (nerve cell clusters) of the body, not in the brain or spinal cord, in areas where severe rashes previously occurred. If the body's immune system becomes compromised, the dormant virus reactivates, causing inflammation, pain, and blisters in the skin served by the affected nerve ganglia. The main causes of herpes zoster are decreased immunity due to emotional stress, anxiety, and related factors. Tumors are also associated. Patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are also at high risk for herpes zoster.

When experiencing the following symptoms, shingles may be suspected. Usually, from 4 to 5 days before the rash appears, there may be abnormal sensations or pain in specific areas of the body, such as a burning or stabbing sensation as if cut by a knife. Symptoms can include swelling, fever, and muscle aches. The pain can occur even with light contact such as touching the blanket or clothing. Subsequently, a rash with blisters may develop on the skin, primarily along the nerve ganglia. It often appears in a band-like pattern. When blisters occur along the facial nerve, there is a rare risk of severe complications such as visual impairment, hearing loss, or facial nerve paralysis.

Herpes zoster is initially treated with antiviral medication. If it progresses to neuralgia, pain relievers are used to alleviate the pain. The type of pain reliever varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. If you are afraid of pain caused by herpes zoster, it is advisable to get the herpes zoster vaccine. The herpes zoster vaccine is known to reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Especially in the elderly, the risk of herpes zoster and its complications is higher, so vaccination is recommended for older adults. Additionally, to prevent herpes zoster, boosting immunity is most important. Lifestyle habits to strengthen immunity include ▲drinking water frequently ▲getting 7 hours of sleep a day ▲exposing oneself to sunlight for 20 minutes a day ▲doing light exercise and stretching.