Is shingles contagious? How to treat?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Thu Hang - Dermatologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Shingles is a common disease in dermatological diseases, a disease caused by a viral infection of nerves and skin. This is the virus that causes chickenpox, after the patient recovers from chickenpox, the virus is able to exist and localize for many years in the paraspinal sensory ganglia in the form of latent, silent then reactivation. to cause shingles (shingles).

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, varicella-zoster. When you have recovered from chickenpox, the virus is still present in your ganglia. The virus is reactivated when the body's immune system is weakened, causing shingles, which is characterized by a rash, blisters, and pain.

Shingles is a non-communicable disease. However, people who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against chickenpox are likely to contract chickenpox when they come into contact with someone who has shingles (shingles).

3.1 Treatment of early stage shingles Antiviral drug
The usual dose for Acyclovir is: adult 800mg x 5 times/day for 7-10 days, Painkiller: Paracetamol + Codeine.
If the pain is not relieved, it can be combined with Gabapentin or Amitryptriptylin.. In case of superinfection, combination antibiotics should be used. Used in combination with Vitamin B 3.2 Treatment of sequelae of pain after shingles Carbamazepine
Based on the pathogenesis of the disease. of post-shingles pain, the virus is localized to the sensory ganglia, causing nerve damage, and disrupting the balance between motor and sensory fibers.
So in addition to using common pain relievers such as Paracetamol, Aspirin, it is necessary to combine with nerve pain relievers such as Carbamazepine with the trade name Tegretol to relieve pain, reduce burning sensation, and throbbing pain. The drug is usually used for adults with a dose of 200 - 600mg / day (1 - 3 tablets). Side effects: dizziness, nausea at the beginning of treatment, limited by gradually increasing the dose.

Gabapentin
Gabapentin 300 mg tablets, dose 2-5 tablets / day, side effects causing somnolence, headache, dizziness, nausea...
Pregabalin
Dose 150-300 mg/day.
Amitryptylin
Dose 25-75 mg/day, 25 mg tablet, side effects: postural hypotension, somnolence, dry mouth, confusion, constipation, urinary retention... Limit side effects by taking doses ascending.

Treatment of shingles with antiviral drugs early within the first 72 hours
- Vaccinate children from 1 year of age with chickenpox vaccine.
Shingles or shingles is a disease that can leave sequelae, cause pain after healing, can last from 6 months to several years, reducing the patient's quality of life.
However, the disease can be prevented by vaccination. Children as young as 1 year of age who receive the varicella-zoster vaccine can prevent chickenpox and shingles infections. If you have had chickenpox, you can prevent shingles by eating, living in moderation, increasing exercise and sports to strengthen resistance.
To prevent shingles, you can go to Vinmec International General Hospital for advice, appointment and vaccination against chickenpox to prevent the disease in the safest and most effective way.
All biological products and vaccines at Vinmec are of clear origin; preserved on the cold chain according to strict standards of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization. Customers are examined and screened before injection, and their health is monitored after injection to ensure the highest safety and effectiveness of vaccination.
Doctor Thu Hang has over 10 years of experience in the field of dermatology. Especially experienced in the treatment of adult and pediatric skin diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, autoimmune and rare skin diseases. The doctor has obtained certificates and university degrees at home and abroad such as: Degree I - Dermatology, Hanoi Medical University, DFMS Degree - Dermatology, University of Paris XIII, France before becoming a doctor. dermatology at the Department of Internal Medicine, Vinmec Hai Phong Hospital today.