Does shingles leave a scar after it heals?

This is an automatically translated article.

1. Does shingles leave scars?

“Does shingles leave a scar?” This is a question asked by many patients. The answer is that shingles can leave a scar for the patient if he or she is not detected in time and treated properly.

Although shingles is not a very dangerous disease, if there is no timely treatment, it will seriously affect the skin structure and nervous system in that area, causing serious harm to the patient.
The main cause of the disease is a virus of the same type as the virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is the most dangerous when the virus that causes the disease attacks the trigeminal nerve system on the face, blisters grow on the eyes, mouth, and ears, causing damage to vision and hearing. Shingles can be treated completely, but after healing, it will also leave sequelae, which are bruises and scars on the surface of the skin, causing cosmetic loss.

2. Characteristics of scars in shingles

Scar color is deep red, there are also cases of purple red. Shingles can be flat or slightly raised on the surface of the skin. Sometimes there are complications that lead to large keloid scars, even pitted scars. The location of the shingles scars on the face will make women feel uncomfortable even psychologically or self-deprecating after the disease. Therefore, it is extremely important to treat the disease properly and have a proper diet, lifestyle, and diet.

3. How to prevent shingles scars?

Visit a doctor within 48 hours from the appearance of skin lesions, and strictly follow the doctor's medical instructions. Daily hygiene and bathing, keep the body and damaged skin clean, pay attention not to scratch, do not directly rub bath soap or any chemicals on the shingles affected skin. Wear loose and breathable clothing to avoid friction causing further damage to the damaged skin. After the shingles have healed, you need to talk to your doctor for advice on the right scar treatment. At this time, new young skin is formed, so it will be easier to absorb and repair the damage caused by the virus. If the shingles scars are left for a long time, the treatment will be more difficult than the initial stage. Limit sun exposure on damaged skin. UV rays can stimulate the formation of melanin pigment and make scars darker. Increase nutrition from the addition of foods that are good for the skin to improve scars from within such as fruits, water, green vegetables, foods rich in Omega 3 and Vitamin C. These substances will help the body synthesize, Transport nutrients for rapid wound healing. Do not arbitrarily treat with empiric treatment methods such as applying green beans, glutinous rice, or male medicinal leaves to the shingles area, increasing the risk of superinfection, causing skin ulcers, skin irritation, and possible sexual intercourse. shingles scarring is more severe. Should abstain from using stimulants such as alcohol, beer, tobacco, coffee, hot spicy foods or industrial foods. The chemicals in these foods hinder the healing process and make the scars take longer to heal, increasing the risk of infection. Keep psychological comfort: When you have shingles, you should not be too worried, you need to be determined and persistent in treatment for the disease to be effective. The best prevention is to get the chickenpox vaccine so that your child does not get the disease and in the future avoids getting shingles. Currently, there are a number of antiviral drugs that can control symptoms, as well as shorten the duration and severity of the disease, combined with scar medicine will help patients avoid the risk of recurrence and Leaves no scars after healing.

If you have unusual symptoms, you should be examined and consulted with a specialist.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.