Disseminated Herpes Zoster

The term 'Disseminated Herpes Zoster' sounds quite foreboding. And I think it's only natural for individuals to ask what it is with confusion plastered all over their face. Or maybe that's just me. But the point is, when I found out what this term actually meant, it was rather an anti-climactic moment for me. So get this, disseminated herpes zoster is nothing but disseminated shingles. You've heard of them, right? And even if you haven't, I think this article should be able to give you the information you need.

The disseminated herpes Zoster (I'll be referring to it as DHZ from now on), is caused by the herpes varicella zoster virus, which is responsible for chickenpox and the common shingles. It manifests itself in the form of a rash that takes the shape of a belt. The chances of getting affected with DHZ increase as the age increases. This condition is only caught by those who have had a bout of chickenpox. The varicella zoster virus settles into the cells of the nervous system and can affect a person anytime. It is seen to affect mostly those who have a low immune system.

Signs and Symptoms

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of shingles that will develop in this condition:

• A shingles rash will develop in the shape of a belt.
• There will be a lot of severe itching as is seen in the case of chickenpox.
• Burning and tingling sensations will also be felt.
• Fever will develop.
• Many people have headaches.
• There is stabbing pain where the rash has developed.
• Shingle blisters will develop which will become ulcerated.

Precautions to be Taken

Do you need to take precautions for shingles? Yes you do. Even though it is not possible to contract the virus externally, there might be chances that it will get transferred under certain circumstances. These are:

• If there is direct contact with the ulcerated lesions and blisters of a patient. And if a person has not had chickenpox before, then he might develop chickenpox but not shingles.
• Health care workers should be immune to chickenpox before administering care.
• Health care workers who have lesions from shingles should not be brought into contact with patients and put them at risk.
• It is important to wear gloves when administering care.
• Making sure that anyone who comes in contact with the patients has administered proper care by way of gloves, masks, washing their hands and the like.
• There is a risk that in some rare cases DHZ can be fatal as well, therefore those patients who are susceptible to this need to be isolated.
• The most important precaution against DHZ is to take the shingles vaccine which will prevent the virus from affecting you and even if it affects you, it will not be as severe. If you have already had a bout of chickenpox then you might be have a smaller chance of contracting DHZ.

Treatment Administered

It is important to administer proper treatment of disseminated zoster herpes, which is done through the following methods or by using home remedies for herpes.

Antiviral Agents
Antiviral agents contain systematic steroids. And it has been proven that they help in the treatment and prevention of DHZ. These should be started early on (within 72 hours of the first symptom) so that they are successful in shortening the duration of the DHZ. These prevent the virus from multiplying, heal the lesions quickly and reduce pain.

Pain Medication
As mentioned earlier, the pain associated with DHZ is severe and therefore there is a need to give pain medication for shingles pain relief, either oral or through steroid injections or a shingles vaccine. These include Tricyclic antidepressants, Capsaicin, anti-seizure medications, topical anesthetics and the like.

The disseminated herpes zoster, though cannot be contracted by breathing the same air as that of a person who has contracted the virus, needs to be carefully monitored. Make sure that you take all the vaccines and necessary precautions expected along with the shingles treatment. Even though it is not a serious condition, there have been rare fatalities.