Does herpes zoster require a special diet?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on January 12, 2025
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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 Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Shingles is what disease?

Shingles is primarily caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which enters the human bloodstream through the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to chickenpox or a latent infection. The virus then lies dormant in the nerve ganglia of the body. Certain triggers, such as trauma, fatigue, weakness after illness, malignant tumors, or the use of immunosuppressants, can decrease the body's resistance and activate the dormant virus, resulting in shingles.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does herpes zoster require hospitalization?

Whether hospitalization is needed after contracting shingles depends on the severity of the condition. In most cases, shingles is mild and does not require hospitalization. Treatment can be managed with oral antiviral medications, supplements to nourish the nerves, and topical medications. However, if the shingles is severe and causes complications, hospitalization may be necessary. It is advised to maintain a light diet, avoid overly spicy foods, and ensure adequate rest.