It is a painful infection that causes rashes and blisters on the skin, also known as herpes zoster. However, they can affect the other parts of the body and cause complications. They are also known as internal herpes zoster when they form inside the body. Varicella-zoster is the virus that leads to chickenpox, and it is also known to cause the disorder. It often lives in the body of an individual who has had chickenpox and may reactivate to cause herpes zoster. People with it experience extreme pain and are anxious to ask – What ointment is best for shingles?
Go through the article to acquaint yourself with the symptoms of the internal skin condition and the type of ointment you can use.
Early Signs of Herpes Zoster
It produces an extensive range of symptoms ranging from mild skin irritation to fever and other signs in the early stages. Until a person develops other indications, it is hard to recognize that they are suffering from them.
The herpes zoster infection may begin as a painful rash in a small area on one side of the body. Their outbreaks go for 3 to 5 weeks. A red rash may appear 1-5 days after the skin tingling and burning occurs. The rash usually turns into small fluid-filled blisters after a few days. After 7-10 days, the fluid inside dries and causes crusty blisters. You can also develop herpes zoster symptoms without the rash, and it may start to appear after five days.
Symptoms of Herpes Zoster
Common symptoms of internal herpes zoster include:
- Muscle aches
- Numbness and Tingling
- Chills
- Burning and itching sensations
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
Some of the body systems susceptible to internal herpes zoster include the nervous system, lungs, eyes, brain, and liver. Internal shingles can cause other symptoms like cough, fever, abdominal discomfort, persistent pain, and headache. If your internal organs are affected by the infection, you should consider seeking medical attention.
Herpes Zoster Statistics
It affects at least one in three people in the United States. In some instances, the virus can cause inflammation, severe infections, or complications. Although internal infection is rare, once it affects the organ system, it can be life-threatening. If you suspect, you have them consult a doctor, who will advise managing the virus’s signs and treating. Doctors often encounter concerned parents who ask -What ointment is best for shingles? They give them a list of shingles ointment that works with severe itching.
How do you prevent internal herpes zoster?
You can prevent it by the herpes zoster vaccine. Experts recommend that people take the inoculation when they get to 60 years. However, if they take it past 70 years, the vaccine may not work as required.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people get the shingrix vaccine if they are healthy. However, if they are unsure whether they had chickenpox or have previously taken the herpes zoster vaccine known as the Zostavax they should avoid it.
Even though vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing, they are not usually suitable for everyone.
Individuals should avoid taking shingrix during the following circumstances:
- If they have a fever of 101.3F or any severe illness.
- If they already have had an active herpes zoster infection.
- If they have an allergic reaction to shingrix or any of its ingredients.
- If they are currently pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Other ways you can prevent internal infection include:
- Getting adequate sleep.
- Managing ongoing health problems.
- Avoid smoking.
- Undergoing regular checkup.
- Managing disorders that affect the immune system.
- Adhering to a treatment regimen.
Common risk factors for internal herpes zoster
A weakened immune system
Diseases and conditions like organ transplants, HIV/Aids, and autoimmune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can expose you to the infection.
Are above 60 years
Although herpes zoster affects people of all ages, it is often contracted by the elderly of over 60 years.
Cancer Treatment
If you have cancer and undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, your immune system is weak. It can heighten your risk of having a herpes zoster infection.
Taking certain medications
Drugs that decrease your chances of treating an autoimmune disease or reject an organ transplant are more likely to increase your risk of the infection. Medications such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and steroids increase your risk of the illness. Since they suppress your immune system and make it vulnerable to infection.
Treatment
The National Institute on Aging encourages individuals to seek medication three days after the rash occurs. Early treatment lowers scratching, helps the rashes to heal, and limits pain. A doctor may recommend the following treatment for herpes zoster:
Antiviral drugs
They speed up recovery, ease symptoms, and lower complications. They are usually effective three days after the onset of a rash, and people take them for 7 to 10 days.
- Famciclovir
- Acyclovir cream- It is recommended as a herpes zoster ointment.
- Valacyclovir
Antihistamines
Prescription and over-the-counter medications lower skin irritation and pain.
- Antihistamines like Benadry for itching.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
- Numbing products like lidocaine.
- Corticosteroids for severe pain.
Antidepressants
Experts prescribe Tricyclic antidepressants for herpes zoster pain. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and imipramine.
There is no need to ask yourself-What ointment is best for shingles? You have a wide variety of options to pick from.
Ointment
People, who ask – What ointment is best for shingles? Require a solution to the anguish they are going through. The best shingles ointment includes calamine lotion prescribed as a mild antiseptic to lower infection on the scratched area. Additionally, experts advise that you apply Acyclovir five times a day for four days.
The skin condition can be painful. Therefore, seek medical attention if you suspect that you have contracted them. Additionally, cover your rash to keep those around you safe and avoid scratching it. Also, make sure that you adhere to all the points that have been mentioned above in the article.