Protect yourself from Herpes Zoster with Mivi

Shingles pain, also known as postherpetic neuralgia, is a painful condition that may persist after the disappearance of the skin lesions caused by shingles.

Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop Shingles, regardless of age. However, as we age, the cells of the immune system weaken, increasing the risk of contracting the disease.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people between the ages of 50 and 90 will develop Herpes Zoster in their lifetime, and that the risk of developing the disease increases significantly after the age of 50.

👉🏻 Get vaccinated against Herpes Zoster

Symptoms

Generally the first symptoms of Herpes Zoster are itching, pain, tingling, uncomfortable sensation or tenderness to touch, usually on the chest or face. After the first few days, the acute phase of the disease begins, in which the rash appears, with blisters in the affected areas, accompanied by a stabbing pain. After about 10 days, the vesicles turn into scabs which usually last 2 to 4 weeks.

Prevention

There is a vaccine indicated for the prevention of Herpes Zoster and its main complication, Postherpetic Neuralgia, in:
- Immunocompetent adults over 50 years of age.
- Adults over 18 years of age in immunocompromised situation.

.

.

Treatment

Antiviral drugs are available to treat Shingles. These drugs help reduce the duration and severity of the disease, but to achieve their effectiveness, it is crucial to start treatment as soon as possible after the onset of the rash. Analgesics can provide pain relief, while recommended moist compresses and creams can help soothe itching. People experiencing symptoms of Herpes Zoster or suspecting its presence should consult their physician as soon as possible.

Types of Neuropathic Shingles Pain

Ardent

Many people describe the pain as a burning sensation.

Pungent

The pain may be sharp and stabbing.

Hypersensitivity

The skin can become extremely sensitive to touch, even rubbing against clothing can be painful.

Duration and scale of pain

  • The acute phase lasts between 2 and 4 weeks. Herpes Zoster, in spite of having a low mortality, may involve complications such as Postherpetic Neuralgia, which is the most frequent.

    •  

  • It may persist for months or even years after the disappearance of the skin eruptions.

    •  

  • In some cases, neuropathic pain can become a chronic condition.
      • About us
        About us

        Location

        COSTAL HERPES ZOSTER (Costal area): representing approximately half of the cases, Herpes Zoster is frequently located in the costal area. Its main characteristics include the appearance of a burning pain of variable intensity. After a few days, small grouped blisters form on the skin and take on a characteristic girdle, belt or shingles-like shape, generally confined to one side of the body.

        HERPES ZOSTER OTICOUS (lateral area of the face): Herpes Zoster, when it affects the facial nerve near one of the ears, is known as Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Its main features include pain of varying intensity and, after a few days, the appearance of small blisters clustered around the ear or inside the ear, usually on only one side of the face. It may also cause hearing loss or distortion, which may be temporary or permanent, as well as a sensation of vertigo.

        HERPES ZOSTER OFTHALMICUS (Eye area): Herpes Zoster can affect the ophthalmic nerves, manifesting in the ocular area. Between 50% and 85% of cases result in conjunctivitis or retinitis. In some cases, vision may be compromised, causing visual loss ranging from mild to irreversible due to retinal involvement. This type of Herpes Zoster represents between 10% and 20% of the cases of the disease.

        HERPES ZOSTER SINE-HERPETER: Herpes Zoster sine-herpete occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates without causing the characteristic skin rash. Instead, it manifests only as diffuse neuropathic pain of unknown origin. This type of Herpes Zoster is very rare and therefore difficult to diagnose. Because of its rarity, it is often not treated early, which can result in a longer duration of symptoms and an increased occurrence of complications.

        Ver todos nuestros especialistas

        What are the possible complications?

        Although most people recover completely, some may experience major complications. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a nerve pain that continues after the rash has healed. PHN can last from three to six months, and even persist longer. It is more common and severe in older people than in younger people. After age 50, up to 30% of patients with Shingles will develop Postherpetic Neuralgia.

        OTHER COMPLICATIONS

      • Skin alterations: scarring or pigmentation changes after recovery from the rash.
      • Secondary infection of the rash.
      • Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: when the virus affects the facial nerve.
      • Peripheral and central nervous system complications.
      • Cardiovascular complications.
      • Adverse impact on quality of life.
        • About us
        About us

        What you need to know about Shingles Zoster

        Not contagious

        It is not transmitted from one person to another. To prevent the spread of V aricella-Zoster Virus (VZV), it is advisable to keep the rash covered and avoid direct contact with immune-compromised people, pregnant women and premature infants who have never had chickenpox or who are not vaccinated against it.

        Its evolution

        The acute phase of Herpes Zoster lasts between 2 and 4 weeks. Although this disease has a low mortality rate, it can lead to complications, the most common being Postherpetic Neuralgia.

        Low mortality

        Shingles has a low mortality rate, but its complications, particularly Postherpetic Neuralgia, can cause disability and affect the quality of life of those affected. The resulting pain can interfere with sleep, mood, work and daily activities, which has a negative impact on quality of life and can lead to social isolation and depression.

        Centers where we can serve you

        Our customers say

        Oscar
        Increíble como estaba de dolores desde que me levantaba y como estoy ahora después de una filtración. Encantado y muchísimas gracias a mivi y al dc. Duca!! Espectacular!!
        Elena Trujillo Trujillo
        Atendimiento excelente
        Santi Gutti
        Muy amable simpática y trabajadora.
        Andres Navarro
        Araceli Sánchez
        Excelente trato desde que entras en la unidad. Desde la primera atención en el mostrador hasta la tramitación de autorizaciones a la salida.
        El Dr. Duca es inigualable. Busca aliviar y solucionar los problemas con los q llegas desde el primer momento.
        La atención de las enfermeras en quirófano es de 10.
        Sólo tengo agradecimiento por la implicación de todos en mi caso. Siento que ya no lucho sola contra el dolor.
        Xavi Guerrero
        Tuve la suerte de ser atendido en la Clínica del Dolor MIVI del Hospital General de Catalunya por el Dr. Fran Duca, y no puedo estar más agradecido. MIL GRACIAS!!!

        Acudí tras sufrir un ataque de ciática provocado por una hernia discal en L5-S1, y desde el primer momento el Dr. Duca me transmitió confianza, profesionalidad y una calidad humana excepcional.

        Su trato cercano, su capacidad de escucha y su profundo conocimiento médico me hicieron sentir en las mejores manos. No solo me explicó con claridad mi situación, sino que me ofreció un plan de tratamiento que me devolvió la esperanza. En un momento difícil, encontré no solo a un gran médico, sino a una persona que se implica de verdad con sus pacientes.

        Gracias, Fran, por tu dedicación, tu empatía y tu excelencia. Estoy convencido de que, con tu ayuda, saldré adelante. ¡Un auténtico referente en su especialidad!
        Martin Fuentes
        Una atención excelente y muy profesional
        Maria del Carmen Jurado Cordoba
        Pasar por MIVI, con el Dr. Duca, ha sido como renacer. Tras dos infiltraciones, una de ellas en zona sacroiliaca, me ha devuelto la esperanza para poder seguir viviendo con ilusión. Tras unas semanas de la infiltración he podido hacer un viaje a Roma y caminar por sus calles y todo ello sin dolor !!!! Poder dormir en un colchón extraño y no levantarme clavada de ambas caderas, wowww ha sido increíble.
        Sobre el doctor Duca os puedo decir que ofrece un trato muy profesional, cercano, muy empático y humano, se ocupó de buscar la mejor solución para mí desde el primer momento, teniendo una mirada amplia sobre toda mi situación general, cosa que agradezco, ya que una mirada amplia es garantía de éxito. No obviar ningún detalle del paciente es primordial, por lo que me sentí muy acompañada, entendida y cuidada con gran profesionalidad.
        El personal de quirófano, un 10.
        Gracias a todo el equipo de MIVI.
        Nuria Villen Medina
        He sido paciente durante casi un año por una capsulitis adhesiva del hombro y la experiencia ha sido muy positiva. Tanto en organización de las sesiones, como en la atención de los fisios y médicos, y de todo el personal administrativo. En especial Fran. Muchas gracias por vuestra atención!!!
        Jonkel

        Insurance companies

        Ask your MIVI centre for information on the agreements with insurance companies.