Shingles is a medical condition that causes concern to many, due to the severe pain it causes.
In this article, we will take a deep look at the causes of shingles and the risk factors associated with it, in order to better understand how to deal with it and treat it effectively.
Causes of shingles
Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates.
When the virus becomes active, it can cross nerve fibers and cause inflammation in the area, resulting in a rash and associated symptoms on a specific area of the body.
The exact cause of virus reactivation is still not fully understood, but it is thought that it may be related to a weakened immune system or other factors, such as:
- Aging: Shingles is more common in people over the age of fifty, as a result of the weakening of the immune system in older people.
- A weakened immune system due to conditions, such as AIDS or immunosuppressive treatments.
- Stress: High levels of stress can affect the functioning of the immune system.
- Some medical conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplants, may also reduce the functioning of the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to infection.
While anyone who has previously been exposed to chickenpox can develop the infection, these factors play a major role in clearly increasing the possibility of reactivation of the virus, and must be treated with extreme caution and preventive measures should be followed.
Do you know that there are factors that may cause your injury, such as psychological stress or weak immunity? To learn more about the symptoms, you can read Symptoms of shingles
Risk factors for shingles
For those who ask: What is the cause of shingles?
- Family history:
While conducting a medical history for the patient, you must ask about the family history. Has shingles occurred repeatedly among family members?
- Recurrence of severe infections:
The patient's exposure to repeated infections, especially if the infection is severe, may negatively affect the body's health and become a risk factor that leads to the activation of the virus.
- Exposure to stress and pressure:
Constant exposure to stress and psychological pressure weakens the immune system and increases the possibility of shingles virus reactivation.
- Chemotherapy:
What is known about chemotherapy drugs used with cancer patients is that they significantly suppress and weaken the immune system, and negatively affect various body systems, which increases the possibility of infection with the shingles virus.
Complications of shingles
For those who believe that neglecting treatment for shingles is normal and will not cause complications, this is a completely wrong belief, because its complications may be serious in some cases with neglect of treatment, and they include:
- Eye infections: In some cases, the optic nerve may be affected by the virus, leading to eye inflammation and severe allergic reactions with eye pain, which later affects vision.
- Postherpetic neuralgia: It is one of the most common complications that occur because of it. Pain may last for months or even many years in the affected area.
- otitis: It may affect the middle ear in some cases, affecting the auditory nerve and causing some ear pain with inflammation, in addition to exposure to constant dizziness.
- ضعف الجهاز المناعي: Shingles becomes more severe on the immune system, and the patient is exposed to severe weakness after infection, making him vulnerable to many infections and diseases.
- Nerve complications: In some rare cases, shingles may lead to encephalitis or meningitis.
The specialist doctors at Al-Mousa Hospital advise that he be treated quickly and not neglect to follow up with the doctor throughout the treatment period so that the patient is not exposed to any possible complications from the virus.
Instructions for people with shingles
After answering the question: What is the cause of shingles?
- You should get enough rest and sleep and avoid excessive activity to reduce the recovery period.
- Strengthen immunity through healthy nutrition and taking essential vitamins and minerals, while avoiding exposure to stress.
- Take therapeutic medications at the specific times recommended by the doctor without neglect, while constantly following up with the doctor.
- Good skin care, such as cleaning the rash area and using moisturizers, while avoiding scratching the affected area.
- Apply cold compresses to the affected area to reduce swelling, while avoiding excessive scratching so that inflammation does not increase.
- Take painkillers to control the pain resulting from the rash. You must consult a doctor about the most appropriate painkillers.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun, as it may lead to inflammation and redness of the affected skin, delaying the healing process.
Treating shingles at home
Managing shingles at home includes practicing self-care and following some guidelines, the most important of which are:
- Keep the skin clean and dry the area affected by the rash.
- Wear loose clothing to avoid scratching the sores or rubbing them with clothing.
- Use cool, wet cloths or calamine cream to soothe the skin.
It is also important to maintain overall health, get enough rest, and eat a balanced diet to support the immune system.
Ways to prevent shingles
Shingles is classified as a viral infection that results in a painful skin rash. It affects the elderly and people with weak immune systems. It is recommended to be prevented because it causes serious complications if you do not receive appropriate treatment. The following are ways to prevent it:
1- Avoid infection with the Arabica Nitaqin virus
Shingles infection is common in cases of children being infected with the herpes zoster virus at an early age, which is chickenpox. After recovery, the virus remains for years and becomes active again, and here shingles appears. People who have never had chickenpox or taken its vaccine are advised to stay away from people with active shingles. The infected person should cover the rash and refrain from touching or scratching the rash, with the importance of washing hands.
2- Avoid exposure to pressure and tension
Staying away from psychological stress is an important way to prevent infection, and this is done by practicing meditation exercises, yoga, and comfortable hobbies. This works to enhance the immune function and health of people at risk of infection, with the importance of following healthy habits and patterns.
3- Get the shingles vaccine
Taking the herpes zoster vaccine is one of the most important ways to prevent infection. There is the live zoster vaccine and the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine. Two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine should be taken for people aged 50 years and over. This type of vaccine is recommended for adults aged 19 years and over who have a weakened immune system due to diseases or taking certain medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Where does shingles come from?
The virus remains dormant in the nerve ganglia, then becomes active again and emerges from the nerves near the surface of the skin, appearing like a strip or belt on one side of the body, either in the back, chest, or face.
What foods are prohibited for shingles?
There are some foods that are prohibited for patients, such as foods that contain sugar, fast food and fried foods in general, as well as citrus fruits such as tomatoes, as they help to irritate the skin.
Can a shingles patient take a shower?
Yes, the patient can take a shower, but he must use lukewarm water and avoid rubbing the rash areas while bathing, and the skin must be dried gently after bathing to avoid infection.
Is shingles transmitted through clothing?
It is not transmitted through clothing, but it is transmitted if you directly touch the blisters resulting from the rash. However, the patient’s own clothing should not be used as it may contain fluids that come out of the blisters, thus spreading the infection.
In conclusion, we remind you that understanding the causes of shingles and its early symptoms represents an essential step in dealing with this condition effectively and providing the necessary care.
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