Treat shingles on the ear quickly

Shingles on the ear

The virus infection shingles can also affect the human ear. Rapid treatment should be initiated to prevent chronic pain.

The virus infection shingles can also occur on the ear. So that chronic pain does not even occur, the infection should be treated as quickly as possible by a specialist.

A so-called shingles (medical term: herpes zoster) is a viral disease that is externally recognizable by a strip-shaped rash with blisters on the affected body parts. The disease is very painful for patients and occurs mainly in the elderly or in patients with a weakened immune system. Stress and special therapies can also trigger shingles. In most cases, the disease occurs in the chest. But also back, legs, eyes and ears can be affected. In order to prevent chronic pain, a doctor should be contacted immediately if any symptoms appear to help treat shingles as early as possible, Dr. Doris Hartwig-Bade, Vice-President of the Association of Otolaryngologists in Germany.

At the ear, the shingles with a rash and numerous small bubbles on the auricle and the ear canal is noticeable. The entire organ of hearing is very sensitive to pain when touched. Otolaryngologists advise not to open the vesicles themselves as the infection may spread to other areas of the body as well. If the disease is not treated in time, those affected may face facial paralysis, impaired hearing and balance disorders. If the shingles left untreated, in the worst case, a permanent hearing loss or deafness may result.

Treatments include antiviral drugs and painkillers. In the course of therapy, healing ointments will be added later. Diseased people should also be careful to avoid personal contact with pregnant women, as there is a particular risk of infection for the unborn child. A transmission can trigger a chickenpox infection and lead to developmental disorders in the child. (sb, 10.12.2010)

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