How is herpes zoster transmitted?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does herpes zoster require a special diet?

During the course of shingles, it is definitely necessary to avoid certain foods. Firstly, one must abstain from smoking and alcohol, as they are very detrimental to the recovery from shingles. Secondly, it is essential to avoid certain stimulating and aggravating foods, such as seafood, beef, lamb, and spices like onions, ginger, and garlic. Lastly, while avoiding these foods, one should consume more nutritious foods such as apples, carrots, pork, lean meat, and milk.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can people with herpes zoster take a bath?

Whether or not someone who has herpes zoster (shingles) can take a bath depends on the individual’s condition. Most patients can bathe, but they must not scrub, especially at the areas affected by the rash. A minority of patients should avoid bathing if their blisters have ruptured, leading to open sores that could facilitate a secondary bacterial infection. In such cases, bathing is not recommended as it may worsen the infection.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can I eat chicken with herpes zoster?

People with shingles can eat chicken. Shingles is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, often occurring in patients with low immunity. The onset of shingles is not directly related to diet. After contracting shingles, it is recommended to rest and eat protein-rich foods such as chicken to enhance the body's resistance, which is beneficial for the recovery of the disease. This provides the necessary nutrients to complement the medical treatment of shingles.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What is shingles?

Herpes zoster is a viral skin disease, and humans are the only hosts for the varicella-zoster virus. Therefore, the virus can easily enter the bloodstream through the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to viremia, and consequently causing chickenpox or presenting as a latent infection. The virus can lie dormant for long periods in our ganglia or nerve roots. When the body is stimulated again, leading to a decrease in resistance, the dormant virus can be activated, which may result in herpes zoster.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.