Shingles symptoms correctly and act quickly

Herpes Zoster: Shingles should always be treated quickly

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a disease caused by the virus that also causes chickenpox. Health experts advise treating the disease quickly at all times. Otherwise threaten long-term consequences.

Get shingles treated quickly

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 infectious disease is very painful for patients and occurs mainly in the elderly or in patients with a weakened immune system. Health experts point out that the disease can be treated quickly.

Shingles is caused by the same virus that can cause chickenpox. To avoid long-term consequences, the infectious disease should be treated quickly. (Image: phadungsakphoto / fotolia.com)

Avoid long-term consequences

Shingles occurs as a late consequence of an infection with the pathogen (varicella-zoster virus, short: VZV) of chickenpox.

This virus belongs to the group of herpesviruses. Hence the name "Herpes Zoster".

Patients suffering from shingles should consult a doctor quickly and start therapy.

For those who can not be treated, threatened long-term consequences such as post-zoster neuralgia (PZN).

"The nerve damage that leads to post-herpetic neuralgia can not be reversed," writes the Association of German internists (BDI) on its website "internists in the network".

According to the experts, treatment of shingles should be started within 72 hours of skin changes or as long as there are still fresh blisters.

Antidepressants for pain

Powders and creams are used to treat the skin rash.

In addition, the pain must be relieved so they do not become chronic. However, you often do not get far with over-the-counter medications.

"Not only usual painkillers are used but also remedies for depression. However, they are dosed lower than in depressive illnesses, "the internists say.

In addition, special patches and epilepsy medications are available for treatment.

Medical myth

The fact that people can die from shingles when the rash closes around the body is humorous, according to the medical profession.

In most cases, the shingles do not form in the belt area, but spread over the body, often on the face.

In addition, the disease usually occurs on one side and so can not close so circular.

Preventing serious illnesses

Patients should always 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 problems in the child.

For prevention, a vaccine against shingles is available, which does not provide 100% protection, but according to Robert Koch Institute (RKI), among other things, could help prevent serious disease and very rare deaths. (Ad)