Course of shingles

Introduction The course of shingles is characterized by different phases. After a kind of “incubation period” of decades, shingles develops in two phases. The first phase is characterized by general symptoms. In this phase, no skin symptoms are yet visible. Depending on where the shingles has manifested itself in the body, various misinterpreted symptoms can … Course of shingles

Duration | Course of shingles

Duration The “incubation period” takes decades. The time before the outbreak of the rash usually lasts a few days. The appearance of the general symptoms is evident during this time. The first skin symptoms appear as redness and remain for a few days. When the first skin changes are visible, the formation of blisters on … Duration | Course of shingles

Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

Definition Varicella zoster virus (VZV), which also belongs to the group of herpes viruses, causes various neurological diseases. To be mentioned here are the: The zoster encephalitis is rare and in its clinical appearance hardly distinguishable from the herpes simplex encephalitis. Therapy is also high-dose with Aciclovir, the prognosis is corresponding. This topic might also … Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

Varicella zoster virus and shingles – what is the connection? | Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

Varicella zoster virus and shingles – what is the connection? The causative agent of shingles is the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It belongs to the herpes virus family. It can be transmitted via the air (droplet infection), but also via contact with the contents of the vesicles containing the virus or crusts (smear infection). When … Varicella zoster virus and shingles – what is the connection? | Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

Chickenpox

Synonyms Varicella infection Introduction The so-called varicella zoster virus causes the disease pattern of chickenpox and shingles. If the initial infection with the virus occurs, this results in chickenpox, which is an acute and highly contagious infection. The patients show a skin rash, which mainly affects the trunk, the hairy head, the face, the neck … Chickenpox

Symptoms | Chickenpox

Symptoms After an incubation period (time between infection and outbreak of the disease) of about 2 weeks, most patients show the typical rash (exanthema) of the chickenpox virus: Within a few hours, the trunk of the body, face, arms and legs show red spots and finally fluid-filled blisters (rash with blisters), which cause severe itching. … Symptoms | Chickenpox

Complications | Chickenpox

Complications Complications can occur if the chickenpox blisters are scratched open. Opening the skin barrier can lead to a bacterial superinfection. This is usually an infection with staphylococci or streptococci. If a skin infection occurs, antibiotic treatment should be administered. Other possible complications are pneumonia and even severe inflammation of the brain or meninges. Complications … Complications | Chickenpox

Treatment | Chickenpox

Treatment Chickenpox infection is treated symptomatically. There are remedies available to reduce fever and relieve itching. Ibuprofen and Paraceatmol can be used to reduce fever. Creams with synthetic tanning agents or antihistamines can be used locally to combat itching. In immunocompromised people an antiviral therapy with Aciclovir can be considered. In case of a superinfection … Treatment | Chickenpox