What is varicella-zoster?

Cleveland Clinic explains that the varicella-zoster virus It is a type of virus that causes chickenpox, shingles and other infections.

This virus resides in the nervous system gangliawhich are structures made up of neurons whose main function is to receive and transmit sensory information from the body.

As cells are long-lasting and have little renewal, they become the ideal refuge for the virus.

The immune system can monitor it and prevent it from becoming active for years or decades, but this happens only if it stays strong and healthy.

According to studies from more than a century ago, doctors observed that injuries of the shingles They follow specific paths in the skin and commonly affect only one side of the body. These areas correspond to the dermatomesregions connected to a specific sensory nerve.

Later studies confirmed that the virus remains in the nerve ganglia neurons and, when reactivated, when the body weakens, it travels through a nerve, causing inflammation, neuronal damage and intense pain.

It should be emphasized that the shingles It can only develop in people who have had chickenpoxsince it is the reactivation of the same virus in the nervous system, according to José Luis Alfredo Mora Guevara.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

He shingles begins with a prodromal phase characterized by burning pain, tingling, or itching in a specific area of ​​the body, usually the torso, although it can also affect the face or eyes.

Days later a reddish rash with fluid-filled blisterswhich follow the path of the affected nerve and occur on only one side of the body. These lesions evolve to form scabs and heal over a period of two to four weeks.

When the virus affects the eye or the tip of the nose, it is considered a serious form that requires immediate medical attention, as it can cause:

• Inflammation of the cornea (keratitis)
• Uveitis or glaucoma
• Vision losspartial or irreversible

During the outbreak, the pain can be intense and persistent, even with mild stimuli such as rubbing against clothing.

Postherpetic neuralgia and other risks

In most cases, the pain goes away as the skin heals. However, some people (especially older adults) can develop postherpetic neuralgiaa chronic pain that can last months or years.

In severe cases, it may also occur facial paralysis due to nerve damage.

The risk increases when the immune system It is weakened by factors such as:

• Diseases like cancer either HIV
• Immunosuppressive treatments
• Aging
• Physical or emotional stress
• Chronic diseases such as poorly controlled diabetes

How can you prevent shingles?

The most effective way to prevent shingles is the vaccinationespecially in adults over 50 years of age or people with risk factors.

There are two main vaccines:

• Zostavax– contains live attenuated viruses, but its effectiveness decreases over time and is currently less used
• Shingrix: recombinant vaccine with an efficacy close to 90%currently recommended. It is applied in two doses, even in people who have already had the disease

Diagnosis and timely treatment

The diagnosis of shingles It is usually clinical, based on the symptoms and appearance of the lesions, especially their unilateral distribution in the dermatomes.

In atypical cases, tests such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the genetic material of the virus.

The treatment with antivirals It is more effective if it is started within the first 72 hours after the appearance of lesions, as it reduces the duration of the outbreak, pain and the risk of complications.

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