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Herpes Zoster
What should be noted in the diet for herpes zoster?
After a human body is infected with the varicella-zoster virus, the virus can remain dormant for a long time in the posterior spinal nerves, nerve roots, or trigeminal nerve roots. When the body's immunity is lowered, it can trigger the disease herpes zoster. The onset of the disease indicates that the patient has recently been fatigued or suffering from serious diseases such as malignant tumors, leading to lowered resistance. Therefore, during the period of suffering from herpes zoster, patients should not only pay more attention to rest but also be particularly careful with their diet. They should eat less spicy, stimulating, and greasy food, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and betel nuts. They can eat more nutritious food with a high content of dietary fiber and protein, such as fresh vegetables, lean meat, and nuts, to enhance resistance.
Is herpes zoster prone to recurrence?
After recovery from herpes zoster, it is not easy for the condition to recur. Herpes zoster is a disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which infects the human body and lies dormant in the nerve roots, particularly when the immune system is weakened. Therefore, after recovery from herpes zoster, patients generally do not suffer from it again and can obtain long-lasting immunity. However, clinically, there are indeed some herpes zoster patients who experience recurrent episodes. This often directly relates to a decline in the patient's own immune resistance. Patients with underlying diseases, those who are chronically tired or fatigued, or those using immunosuppressive drugs, are prone to recurrent episodes of herpes zoster. Thus, while it is not easy for herpes zoster to recur, it is not absolutely non-recurrent.
How is herpes zoster transmitted?
Shingles is caused by the activation of the varicella-zoster virus that lies dormant in the nerve roots, affecting both the skin and nerves. There are several ways shingles can spread, mainly through direct contact or droplet transmission. Direct contact transmission primarily occurs because the blister fluid in shingles blisters contains a high concentration of the virus. Therefore, before the blisters of a person with shingles are completely dry, they are somewhat contagious, primarily affecting those with lower resistance such as the elderly, children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and so on.
Is herpes zoster the same as chickenpox?
Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Typically, this virus causes chickenpox in children, but in adults, it manifests as herpes zoster, which is unrelated to chickenpox. The herpes zoster virus primarily attacks the nerves, causing neuralgia. Therefore, it is generally recommended to rest, consume a light diet, and avoid spicy foods, seafood, and rich foods. Treatment usually involves the use of acyclovir and valacyclovir for topical application. Oral nutritional supplements for the nerves, such as vitamin B1 and B12, and spleen peptides to enhance the body's immunity, are also recommended. It is important to rest and pay attention to these aspects. It is best to visit a local dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
How long is the incubation period for herpes zoster?
Shingles is a common dermatological disease primarily caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles has an incubation period, but the duration is uncertain, generally ranging from 3 to 20 days. The reason the incubation period for shingles is variable is that after being infected with the varicella-zoster virus, it accumulates in the nerves of the spinal cord and does not exhibit any symptoms physiologically. The virus only begins to proliferate rapidly and triggers the disease when the body's resistance decreases, or in the event of an infection, a cold, or fatigue.
How long should shingles be isolated?
The contagious period of shingles is about two weeks, so it is advisable to isolate for two to three weeks. Shingles typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems and is mainly caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The primary symptoms are red blister clusters on the skin that follow nerve pathways, accompanied by significant pain. Treatment primarily focuses on antiviral medication, nourishing the nerves, and relieving pain. Generally, within two to three weeks, the rash can crust over and shed, at which point it is no longer contagious, and isolation is no longer necessary.