By Admin 
Nowadays, due to changing lifestyle, stress and weakening immunity, many types of viral and skin infections are being seen. One of these diseases is zoster infection, which is also commonly known as herpes zoster. Many people hear its name, but do not have complete information about its causes, symptoms and treatment. Because of this, sometimes treatment gets delayed and problems may increase. In such a situation, let us tell you complete information about zoster infection.
What is zoster infection?
Zoster infection is a viral disease caused by Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). This virus also causes chicken pox. When a person gets chicken pox in childhood or at any age, even after the disease is cured, this virus is not completely eliminated from the body, this virus remains hidden in our nerves in an inactive state. After many years, when the body’s immunity becomes weak due to some reason, then this virus becomes active again and appears in the form of zoster infection (shingles).
Why does zoster infection occur?
According to doctors, the biggest reason for zoster is a weak immune system. However, the exact reason why this virus becomes active again is not always known. But its risk increases in some situations, such as being above 50 years of age, having previously had chicken pox, excessive stress or mental pressure, serious diseases like cancer, HIV, taking steroids or immunity-suppressing medicines for a long time and during pregnancy.
Early symptoms of zoster infection
Symptoms of zoster do not appear suddenly, rather this disease appears in several stages. Its initial signs are burning sensation, prickling or sharp pain in any part of the body, itching or tingling sensation, slight redness on the skin, fatigue without any reason, mild fever or headache. These symptoms can appear a few days before the rash appears. After a few days, red rashes start appearing at the same place where there was pain or irritation, small water filled blisters form, there is itching and pain in the blisters.
Blisters can increase in 3 to 4 days and in about 7 to 10 days they dry up and form a scab. These rashes usually appear on the same side of the waist, back, chest, stomach, neck and face. Some people have pain and burning sensation but rash does not appear. It may be a little difficult to identify this. In such a situation, if nerve pain persists, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Is zoster infection contagious?
Zoster does not spread directly from person to person. But if someone has zoster, coming in contact with the fluid coming out of the blisters can cause chicken pox to another person, especially if the person has never had chicken pox before, so keep the blisters covered. Keep distance from children, pregnant women and people with weak immunity.
Treatment and prevention of zoster infection
There is no complete cure for zoster, but the severity and duration of the disease can be reduced by taking medicines on time. Doctors usually prescribe antiviral medicines, painkillers. Creams applied on the skin and other special medicines are given in severe cases. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent zoster. People who have had chickenpox can get Shingrix vaccine. This vaccine is especially beneficial for people above 50 years of age. Even if you have had ringworm before, you can still get the vaccine.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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