Disseminated shingles is a serious complication of the shingles virus that can affect overall health and organ function. It is diagnosed through a visual examination and can lead to hospitalization. Treatment involves medications to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk and may require long-term drug treatment.
Disseminated shingles is a complication of the shingles virus. Often affecting individuals with compromised immunity, it occurs when the virus spreads throughout the body. Sometimes requiring hospitalization, treatment for disseminated shingles involves giving medications, including steroids and antiviral drugs, to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
A diagnosis of disseminated shingles is usually made with a visual examination. The telltale rash is hard to mistake. Further tests are typically done if the blisters appear to be infected to rule out other conditions, such as dermatitis. It is important to note that there is no cure for shingles, commonly known as shingles. Following an episode of shingles, the infection lies dormant in one’s system and can flare up periodically.
Shingles is a painful condition initiated by exposure to the varicella-zoster virus. Under normal circumstances, the shingles virus presents as a rash that lasts up to a month. Blisters form, break, and crust over. Although painful, with proper treatment, the rash remains localized to areas that may involve the face and torso and subsides with little or no complications. Individuals with compromised immunity are considered to be at increased risk for disseminated shingles or systemic shingles, which can affect overall health and organ function.
Those with widespread shingles experience a development of severe, widespread rashes that can last more than a month. The rash is accompanied by pronounced symptoms including fever, malaise and fatigue. In cases of widespread shingles, the rash may extend up the torso to the back and shoulders, often requiring the use of a topical pain reliever cream to relieve the discomfort. Additional symptoms may include severe joint discomfort, intense abdominal discomfort that may or may not be accompanied by nausea, and persistent headaches.
In situations where an individual is immunosuppressed, it is not impossible for the shingles virus to affect the central nervous system. Diffuse shingles can easily progress to encephalitis, which is a life-threatening inflammation of the nervous system, including the spinal cord. A systemic infection can also enter the bloodstream, resulting in sepsis. Other organs that can be affected include the pancreas, intestines and heart.
Immunocompromised individuals with disseminated shingles are usually hospitalized to prevent complications. Intravenous drug therapy, including antiviral drugs, is given to ease the infection and reduce inflammation. Individuals with certain conditions, such as HIV, may be on long-term drug treatment to prevent flare-ups and recurring complications of shingles.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
