Shingles Sores: Recognizing Their Appearance and Treatment Methods
Shingles, a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, often presents as a blistering rash on the skin. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics, stages, and typical treatment of shingles blisters.
Shingles Blisters: A Closer Look
Shingles blisters typically begin as a red rash that appears in clusters along the sensory nerves, usually on one side of the body. This rash progresses into clear, fluid-filled blisters which are painful and may be accompanied by itching, burning, tingling, or sharp nerve pain. These blisters eventually break open, crust over, and heal within about 10 to 15 days, although pain along the affected nerves can persist longer[1][2][4].
Stages of Shingles Blisters
- Prodromal stage (1–3 days before rash): Itching, burning, tingling, or sharp pain occurs on one side of the body along nerve pathways before visible skin changes[1][2].
- Rash stage: A red patch or cluster of red spots forms in the affected dermatome (area supplied by a nerve). This is typically unilateral—on one side of the torso, face, or limbs[1][2].
- Blister stage: The red rash develops into clear, fluid-filled blisters clustered together. These blisters are painful and sensitive[1][2][4].
- Crusting and healing stage: The blisters burst, then form crusts or scabs. This stage lasts about 10–15 days, after which the skin gradually heals[1][2].
- Postherpetic neuralgia (possible): In some cases, nerve pain persists after the rash heals due to nerve damage[2].
Typical Treatment and Care
Early treatment is crucial to manage shingles effectively.
- Antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir) are prescribed as early as possible to reduce viral replication, shorten symptom duration, and lessen complications like postherpetic neuralgia[2].
- Pain management includes analgesics and sometimes nerve pain treatments due to the characteristic nerve inflammation and burning pain[2].
- Skin care involves keeping the blisters clean and dry to prevent secondary bacterial infection, avoiding scratching, and covering the rash loosely with sterile dressings if needed[1][4].
- Isolation measures: Since the blisters contain the varicella-zoster virus, patients should avoid close contact with individuals who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have never had chickenpox to prevent transmission[1].
- Supportive care includes relief for fever and discomfort during the acute phase[1][2].
Preventing Transmission and Managing Discomfort
Direct contact with the blisters can transmit the virus to others, but the risk of transmission is low, providing a person covers the rash. If the shingles blisters crack open, a person should keep the area clean and dry, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and cover the rash using a sterile, nonstick bandage every day until the rash clears[1].
Other ways for a person to cope with shingles include taking part in activities that distract the mind, wearing loose-fitting clothing, getting plenty of rest, eating well-balanced meals, avoiding stress, if possible, stretching or walking, if a doctor says it is OK to do so. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests washing the rash with a fragrance-free cleanser, applying a layer of pure petroleum jelly, covering the rash with a new, sterile, and nonstick bandage, and washing the hands after touching the rash to avoid spreading shingles to others[1].
Signs of an Infected Rash
Shingles blisters can become infected, and signs of an infected rash can include the presence of yellow or green fluid, swelling, pain, and warmth[1]. In the meantime, a person can ease discomfort by taking a colloidal oatmeal bath, applying calamine lotion, applying a cool compress, keeping the area of skin clean, and avoiding scratching the blisters.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Shingles (herpes zoster). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20376979 [2] American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Shingles. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-conditions/shingles [4] National Health Service (NHS). (2020). Shingles. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/symptoms/
- In addition to shingles, science has identified multiple other medical conditions that may impact one's health-and-wellness, such as asthma, obesity, and HIV.
- Psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are examples of neurological disorders and types of inflammatory arthritis that can have debilitating effects on an individual's joints and spinal column.
- Sclerosis, a chronic and progressive disease, affects the protective covering of the nerves, potentially leading to various symptoms like depression, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.
- Other mental health conditions like depression may coexist with physical health problems, including shingles or various skin care issues, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
- The predictive model for the development of these medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis and diabetes, is still under study by scientists and medical researchers.
- CBD, a non-psychotropic compound found in the cannabis plant, has shown promise in managing symptoms such as chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety, making it a potential treatment option for conditions like arthritis, depression, and skin-care disorders.
- Aside from direct treatment, adopting a healthy lifestyle by eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining good sleep hygiene, managing stress, and prioritizing self-care can be beneficial in coping with and preventing various health and wellness issues.
- Medical-conditions, if not managed properly, can lead to long-term complications and impacts on one's overall health and quality of life.
- When it comes to managing shingles and other medical conditions, it's crucial for individuals to consult with health-care professionals and follow their recommended treatment plans for optimal recovery.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults age 60 and older receive the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, to reduce their risk of developing the disease and prevent complications.
- It's essential for people living with shingles or other medical conditions that can compromise their immune system, like HIV, to take extra precautions to avoid exposure to other infections, such as the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores or the cytomegalovirus (CMV).
- When it comes to maintaining healthy skin and preventing skin-care disorders like shingles, psoriasis, or eczema, consider implementing a daily skin-care routine, using gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens appropriate for your skin type, and engaging in regular self-examinations to monitor for any unusual changes or symptoms.
