Treatment for herpes zoster in adults

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-12 17:37

Pathology develops as a result of the activation of the herpes virus of the third type against the background of weakened immunity. Most often, herpes zoster affects elderly people in the autumn-winter period. For adults, treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist, he also determines the type and dosage of drugs. The disease can be primary or diagnosed after chickenpox.

The causative agent of herpes is the same virus that initiates the development of chickenpox. People who have had this disease are at risk, since its initiator remains forever in the human body, it only goes into the sleep phase. Treatment of pathology involves the use of complex therapy, which includes taking pills and using ointments.

Antiviral agents

It will not be possible to completely get rid of the virus, so the doctor prescribes drugs that only make him return to a dormant state.

The most effective remedy in this regard is Acyclovir. The tablets are effective for both herpes zoster and herpes simplex.

Adults are prescribed 200 mg two to five times / day, regardless of food intake. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by a specialist, but in any case, not less than a week.

Valacyclovir also effectively copes with the attack of the virus - it belongs to the derivatives of acyclovir, has a stronger effect. It is most often prescribed to elderly patients whose immune defenses are very weak. The action of the drug is aimed at suppressing the virus, which slows down its reproduction. Take 3 times / day for 2 tablets. The therapy is carried out within a week.

Famvir acts similarly to the previous remedies - it prevents the multiplication of viral DNA. Adults take 250 mg. 3 times / day. If the pathogen has penetrated the internal organs, the dosage is increased to 500 mg at a time, the frequency is the same.

Antibacterial agents

The need for antibiotics occurs in adults only if herpes zoster provoked complications. The specialist supplements the medicinal complex with antibacterial drugs when signs appear:

• pyelonephritis;
• tonsillitis;
• myocarditis.

The most dangerous complication is meningitis. His treatment should be carried out immediately, since the risk of death is very high.

Under the influence of the virus, the activity of harmful microorganisms is activated. Therefore, only one course of taking immunomodulatory and antiviral medications cannot be dispensed with.

In addition to them, the specialist prescribes the following antibiotics:

• Augmentin;
• Erythromycin;
• Ciprofloxacin;
• Flemoxin Solutab;
• Amoxicillin and others.

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The type of drug is determined by the severity of the symptoms and the nature of the disease, as well as the presence / absence of the patient's susceptibility to the drug. Before the appointment, the patient must be interviewed for allergic reactions and the types of drugs that he takes on an ongoing basis. For example, concurrent use of contraceptives reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Immunomodulators

Since the activation of the virus occurs most often against the background of a weakening of the body's defenses, the doctor must prescribe medications that strengthen the immune system. These are drugs based on interferon:

• Arbidol;
• Viferon;
• Cycloferon.

They stimulate the synthesis of immune cells (leukocytes) and macrophages - cellular units that capture and digest foreign bodies.

Medicines prevent the development of an acute form of chronic pathologies, which can be triggered by the causative agent of lichen. In addition, these drugs cope well with general weakness, as well as with intoxication.

The complex of therapy may include Isoprinosine, which helps to increase the body's resistance to pathogenic agents and restore the performance of immune cells.

Immunomodulators are not prescribed for patients suffering from autoimmune pathologies (glomerulonephritis, rheumatoid arthritis), since such drugs can increase the symptoms of the underlying disease. Protective cells begin to work even more actively, acting to the detriment of the body.

Anesthetics

Painkillers are an indispensable element of complex treatment, since the disease proceeds with severe pain. You may need to take ganglion blockers, one of which is Oxycodone.

It is extremely important to stop pain at the very beginning, because increased pain can cause negative consequences, up to fainting and seizures. This condition is especially dangerous for women during the period of gestation, as the likelihood of miscarriage increases.

Pain syndrome is relieved by the following medications:

• Analgin;
• Paracetamol;
• Ibuprofen;
• Diclofenac.

Gangleron proved to be quite good. Injections are administered 1 time / day for 7-10 days.

If the effect from the use of analgesics does not occur or it is, but it is small, the affected areas are injected with novocaine (2%), that is, novocaine blockade is performed.

In severe cases, Diazepam, an anticonvulsant drug, is used. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants if needed.

Analgesics are irritating to the stomach wall and should be discontinued as soon as the pain subsides. Otherwise, the development of stomach ulcers or gastritis is possible.

External drugs

Aniline dyes Fukarcin, brilliant green are used to dry lichen rashes.

Although recently there have been opponents of this method, who argue that skin irritation with alcohol preparations can harm the patient. But still, most doctors use organic dyes in the treatment of herpes zoster in adults, since they have proven to be highly effective over several decades. And complications in the form of painful neuralgia in such cases are much less common.

Spots are smeared 2 times / day with brilliant green, after it has completely dried, a special antiviral ointment is applied.

The following ointments are considered the most effective:

• Acyclovir. Suppresses the virus, contributes to its death. The ointment is available in two forms: for skin treatment - 5%, for mucous membranes - 3%. The product is applied in a thin layer 3–6 times / day, treatment lasts 1–1.5 weeks. The course must be completed, otherwise the virus will return.
• Zovirax. A foreign drug that acts similarly to Acyclovir. The affected areas are lubricated for 4-6 days.
• Gerpferon. An effective combination medicine, which includes Interfern, Acyclovir and Lidocaine. It activates the process of absorption of harmful microorganisms by immune cells, relieves pain and suppresses the multiplication of the virus. The ointment is applied to the affected skin 3–6 times / day at intervals of at least four hours. In adults, recovery occurs in about 7-10 days.
• Penciclovir and its derivatives - Fenistil-Pencivir, Penciclovir-Fitovit, Vectavir. These drugs are considered the best in the line of drugs prescribed for the treatment of herpes zoster. The active substance easily penetrates into the affected tissues, blocks the development of the virus, and causes its death. At the same time, the effect of these drugs does not apply to healthy cells. Penciclovir and its derivatives have a number of contraindications, so prior consultation with a specialist is needed.
• Hyporamine ointment. A medicinal product obtained from an extract of the foliage of the buckthorn buckthorn. Possesses antiviral effect. Processing is carried out 4-6 times / day. The duration of the treatment course is from five to ten days. Complicated lichen is treated within three weeks. The ointment effectively copes with the virus, is used as an immunostimulating and immunomodulating agent. Safe for pregnant and lactating women.

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Using complex treatment, you can quickly achieve the desired result - the rash dries up, and after a while the crusts fall off on their own. In no case should they be removed by force - this can lead to complications.

Herpes Zoster is dangerous for both adults and children. Those who have already had chickenpox have immunity to the herpes virus, so they should not be afraid of re-infection. But in this case, the risk of activating its own virus, which has been preserved in the body, increases. For everyone else, herpes zoster is contagious. But after infection, chickenpox will develop, and not primary lichen.

You can get infected through close contact (kissing, hugging), through common household items, as well as by airborne droplets. A pregnant woman transmits the virus to the fetus through the placenta.

Bonus

1. Shingles is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system.
2. The disease develops against the background of weakened immunity, most often affects people over 50 years old.
3. Complex treatment. It includes the use of antiviral and anesthetic drugs, immunomodulators, antibiotics, as well as the use of topical topical agents (solutions, ointments).
4. Herpes Zoster is contagious, so contact with a sick person should be avoided, as well as others. precautionary measures.
5. In case of infection, immediately contact a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.