Herpes Zoster – Commonly Asked Questions
There are so many negative connotations when it comes to a person having and living with herpes. Many people associate herpes with promiscuity and a lack of personal hygiene. Other’s have herpes and never know that what it is that causes them to break out. They blame it on infected hair follicles, cold sores and rashes when in actuality it is a form of herpes.
You do not have to live in fear or shame from this virus. It is simply a virus that comes from a variety of sources. Herpes zoster is often mistaken for something else but with the right knowledge you can know if you have a rash or if it is herpes zoster.
In this article you will learn the basics of herpes and herpes zoster so that you can make informed decisions regarding the virus.
What is herpes zoster?
Herpes zoster is a serious infection in which blisters and red, aggravated skin makes its appearance as a sign of the virus. It is related to the varicella zoster virus that causes chicken pox in people. It is unknown who will develop herpes zoster later in life and who will not. It is known that herpes zoster can cause further complications other than a rash of blisters. It has been known to cause encephalitis, partial paralysis and even meningitis in some patients. It is a viral strain that replicates itself on the skin surface and then will go dormant. It lays dormant in the ganglion of the nerve cells until it reawakens. No one knows for sure what causes the virus to reawaken and begin replicating itself again.
Is herpes zoster the same thing as chicken pox?
No, it is actually called shingles. Chicken pox is the varicella zoster virus which is what herpes zoster actually comes from later in life. There is no way of telling who will develop herpes zoster and who will not. It is one of the mysteries of the scientific community.
How do you get herpes zoster?
When you have the varicella zoster virus, otherwise known as chicken pox, your body does not eliminate the virus completely. It is stored in the cells. Later in life you run the risk of developing herpes zoster. If the very first outbreak of herpes zoster occurs while the mother is pregnant then complications can arise with the newborn but reoccurring herpes zoster infections seem to have no affect on the fetus itself.
Is herpes zoster communicable?
Fortunately herpes zoster is not communicable. But it can cause people to worry that they will become infected. Most of this is due to misinformation on the behalf of the uninformed. Herpes zoster only results from having chicken pox previously. Anyone can develop the virus later in life but you cannot get it from touching an infected person.
How can I get rid of my herpes zoster?
Unfortunately there is nothing that will rid you of herpes zoster completely. There are antiviral drugs that can help suppress the virus and you can take steps to strengthen your immune system. If you eat more helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables you will find your outbreaks happening less frequently and the severity may be decreased.
Are there ways to suppress my herpes zoster?
There are some ways you can help suppress your herpes zoster. The first is by taking an antiviral medication that suppresses the virus and shortens the outbreaks. But there are other homeopathic and common sense remedies that can be used. Stress is a big factor in awakening the virus. The more stress that you are under, the more likely that you will have an outbreak. You can also help suppress the outbreaks by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Why? It is because they help you have a stronger immune system.
What other forms of herpes are there?
Besides herpes zoster there is herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2. HSV-1 is often referred to as oral herpes and HSV-2 is known as genital herpes but those are slightly misleading. HSV-1 and 2 can be found in either place, in and around the mouth and nose area or in the genital region. The only way to tell for sure what form of herpes you have is by visiting your doctor and having blood work done. Only then can you have your herpes identified and labeled so that you can begin treatment.
Isn’t herpes simplex type 1 just cold sores?
Herpes simplex type 1 is not just cold sores. It is something that can develop into far worse scenarios such as ocular herpes and herpes encephalitis. Ocular herpes occurs when the virus makes its way to the surface of the eye, not the eye lid but the actual eye ball itself. Herpes encephalitis is a potentially fatal form of the virus that causes inflammation of the brain. If you have HSV-1 you should take your condition seriously and always take your medication. HSV-1 can also be found on the genital region so it is not limited to where it can be found at.
What parts of the body can be affected by any form of herpes?
With herpes zoster, HSV-1 and HSV-2 the herpes virus can be found virtually everywhere on the body. Shingles is a debilitating virus that can cause a break out on the arms, chest and neck that is very painful. HSV-1 and 2 can be found either on the face around the nose or the mouth. They can also be found in the genital areas. There are some people who develop herpes outbreaks on their chest and under their arms.
Am I contagious when I have an outbreak of herpes?
Yes, you are very contagious when you are having an outbreak of herpes. All the strains are virulent except herpes zoster. You do not have to worry about someone else catching shingles. The other two variations of herpes can also be communicable even when you are not having an outbreak. This is why it is so important to let your partner know that you have herpes so that they can take the necessary precautions in order to help themselves. It is a serious virus that can lead to far worse complications.
By Health Editor
