Shingles is a dermatological disease due to the “awakening” of the chicken pox virus around the age of fifty. It is characterized in particular by the appearance of painful red vesicles on only one side of the body. Who are the people at risk? How to recognize shingles. Focus on the main signs of this disease.
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How to relieve your shingles?
Who are the people at risk?
The main risk factor is having had chickenpox because in fact, shingles is the clinical manifestation of the recurrence of the virus of the varicella (Varicella Zoster Virus or VZV), belonging to the herpes family. According Public Health Franceif the risk of being affected at least once in his life by chickenpox is very high (95%), that of having shingles is much lower (between 15 and 20%)
Then, a few other factors can influence the risk of developing this disease:
- age : people over 50 are the most affected;
- immune defenses : the people immunocompromised due to a primary or acquired autoimmune disease or under immunosuppressive therapy.
- stress and fatigue: a big emotion or a slack can wake up the sleeping virus.
Note that since March 2016, there is a vaccine against shingles: non-compulsory, it is strongly recommended for people aged 65 to 74 years old. This vaccine, Zostavax, is then reimbursed by health insurance.
Read also: Everything you need to know about the shingles vaccination
How to recognize shingles?
The typical form of shingles first manifests itself in burns and itching at the lumbar level on the path of the nerve. This will extend from the spine to the chest.
Then the burns will be followed by redness andRashes (vesicles). Some crusts may also appear.
Typically, a shingles rash lasts between 2 and 6 weeks, with a feeling of discomfort that may persist even after the blisters have disappeared.
There is also the ophthalmic shingles (near the eye) and cervical shingles.
Read also : Quiz: what do you know about shingles?
What treatment for shingles?
As often, the earlier the disease is taken care of, the better! If treated within 3 days, the shingles will be less extensive and less painful.
You will be prescribed asurgras dermatological soap to wash yourself and a spray to dry up the blisters. Finally, a antiviral (like Zelitrex) will be given to you to fight the virus and relieve pain.
Be careful, among older people, shingles may be more of a concern. Indeed, it is often more painful and above all, the pain can persist even after treatment.
Shingles, is it contagious?
As a precautionary measure, physical contact with a person with shingles, pregnant women, people with low immune defenses and people who have not had chickenpox is not recommended.
Thanks to Laetitia Horel, nurse in a hospital in the Paris region.
