What is Zoster Infection? Learn every detail about this viral disease.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Nowadays, due to changing lifestyles, stress, and weakened immunity, many types of viral and skin infections are being seen. One such disease is zoster infection, also known as shingles (herpes zoster). Many people have heard of it, but lack complete information about its causes, symptoms, and treatment. Because of this, treatment is often delayed and complications can worsen. In such a situation, let us tell you the complete information about zoster infection. 

What is zoster infection?

Zoster infection is a viral disease caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). This same virus also causes chicken pox. When a person contracts chicken pox in childhood or at any age, the virus is not completely eliminated from the body even after recovery. It remains dormant in the nerves. Years later, when the body's immunity weakens due to some reason, this virus becomes active again and manifests as zoster infection (shingles). 

What causes zoster infection?

According to doctors, the most common cause of zoster is a weakened immune system. However, the exact reason why the virus reactivates isn't always known. Certain conditions increase the risk, including being over 50, having previously had chicken pox, experiencing extreme stress or mental strain, serious illnesses like cancer or HIV, taking steroids or immune-suppressing medications for a long time, and during pregnancy. 

Early symptoms of zoster infection

The symptoms of zoster do not appear suddenly; rather, the disease develops in several stages. Its initial symptoms include burning, prickling, or sharp pain in one part of the body, itching or tingling, mild redness of the skin, unexplained fatigue, mild fever, or headache. These symptoms may appear a few days before the rash appears. A few days later, a red rash appears in the same area where the pain or burning was present, and small, watery blisters form. The blisters are itchy and painful.

The blisters may develop within 3 to 4 days and crust over in about 7 to 10 days. These rashes typically appear on the waist, back, chest, abdomen, neck, and one side of the face. Some people experience pain and burning but no rash. This can be difficult to diagnose. If nerve pain persists, consult a doctor immediately. 

Is zoster infection contagious?

Zoster isn't spread directly from person to person. However, if someone has zoster, contact with the fluid from their blisters can cause chickenpox, especially if they've never had chickenpox before. Therefore, keep the blisters covered. Avoid contact with children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. 

Treatment and prevention of zoster infection 

There is no complete cure for zoster, but timely medication can reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Doctors typically prescribe antiviral medications, pain relievers, skin creams, and other specialized medications for severe cases. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent zoster. People who have had chickenpox can get the Shingrix vaccine. This vaccine is especially beneficial for people over 50 years of age. The vaccine can also be administered if you have previously had shingles. 

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