Shingles can be dangerous to the eyes

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Thai Hung - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International Hospital. Specialist II Nguyen Thai Hung has 13 years of experience as a doctor treating eye diseases.
And Specialist I Tran Van Sang - Dermatologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. The doctor has 18 years of experience in the field of Dermatology.
Shingles is caused by an infection with the herpes zoster virus, which can be latent in the paraspinal sensory nerve roots and reactivate. The main symptom of shingles is a blister-like rash that sticks to red skin and is accompanied by painful peripheral nerve damage, usually on one side of the body. When shingles occurs in the face and eyes, it is dangerous for the eyes.

1. General overview of shingles disease

When you have shingles, you tend to focus on how to relieve pain and reduce discomfort at that moment. To do that, you have a wide range of treatment options, from medications to alternative treatments.
Shingles is an infection caused by the herpes zortes virus. The main symptom is a clustered vesicular rash with red skin and nerve damage, usually on one side of the body. Usually, it causes pain, burning, and tingling sensations. Shingles can also give you a fever or headache and make you feel really tired. Most of these symptoms disappear within a short time, as the skin lesions heal. But for some cases, there can be complications brought on by shingles such as persistent nerve pain, if not treated early and right.
Although shingles is almost never life-threatening, it can lead to serious problems, such as vision loss. Early treatment can not only limit bad symptoms, but it can also help you avoid long-term health problems.

Zona thần kinh có thể xuất hiện ở nhiều vùng trên cơ thể
Zona thần kinh có thể xuất hiện ở nhiều vùng trên cơ thể

2. Shingles causes post-neuralgia

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN): is the most common problem caused by shingles. Most symptoms of shingles usually go away with the rash. But with PHN, you may feel pain, itching, burning, and tingling for months after the skin lesion has healed. It is more common in older people, and is not treated early and properly
Sometimes it gets better after a few months. But there are also cases, it lasts for many years and can be permanent. Your doctor will likely recommend different medications or treatments to help with this nerve pain.

3. Shingles Cause Eye Problems

If you have shingles in your eye, which causes redness and pain in your eyes, see your doctor right away. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to eye damage and also potentially permanent vision loss. Shingles in the eye can cause problems such as:
Causes sores and scarring on the surface Swelling and redness Glaucoma , a disease where pressure builds up in your eyes Nerve damage

Zona thần kinh ở mặt có thể gây ra các ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng tới mắt
Zona thần kinh ở mặt có thể gây ra các ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng tới mắt

4. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

When shingles occurs on the face or around the ears, the nasopharynx and damage to the trigeminal nerve (the trigeminal nerve) causes Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, which can cause the following problems:
Dizziness and other balance problems Ear pain Hearing noises in the ears, tinnitus, and hearing loss Peripheral nerve paralysis in the facial region inability to move parts of the face Decrease and loss of taste. Although this condition is relatively rare, and with early treatment, you have a good chance of making a full recovery.
When you have shingles in the face, you need to see a specialist doctor as soon as possible

5. Skin problems

The red skin rash is then accompanied by blisters on a red background that rupture and crust over the surface of the skin. Keep them clean and dry so you don't get bacteria and scarring. If you start to have signs of skin symptoms, please see a specialist for timely treatment..

Bệnh zona làm xuất hiện các mụn nước gây ngứa trên bề mặt da
Bệnh zona làm xuất hiện các mụn nước gây ngứa trên bề mặt da

6. Rare complications of shingles

In one of the very rare cases, shingles can lead to serious complications such as inflammation of the pulp, or brain, caused by the shingles virus leading to death. You should be monitored regularly for shingles so your doctor can check for even these uncommon types of problems.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

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.

Article referenced source: webmd.com
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