Introduction
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by the virus varicella-zoster. Acupuncture is considered one of the safe treatments for herpes zoster, which helps to calm down the blisters or rashes caused and helps in healing. These changes in the skin of the person with herpes zoster may be present for many months, and in some cases, these blisters may recur, leading to many complications. In addition, PHN (postherpetic neuralgia), a significant complication of post-herpes zoster, has a massive impact on a person's life and emotional experience. Acupuncture is known to be one of the best treatments for PHN.
What Is Herpes Zoster?
Varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox and is responsible for herpes zoster or shingles. It is a viral infection that causes outbreaks of rashes or blisters, which are painful. Herpes zoster is treatable, but it can not be cured.
When the body encounters chicken pox for the first time in childhood, the body fights against the varicella-zoster virus and fades away from the physical signs of chickenpox, but the virus stays in the body. In some people, this virus may become active in adulthood, occurring for the second time as shingles or herpes zoster.
Who Is at Greater Risk of Getting Herpes Zoster?
About 10% of people get herpes zoster who had experienced chickenpox in childhood. People at risk are:
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People with compromised immune systems (cancer patients, HIV/AIDS patients, and people who have undergone organ transplants).
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People under stress.
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People above the age of 50 are at higher risk.
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Those who have undergone trauma.
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People who have been ill for a long time.
There may be more than one episode of herpes zoster when it occurs more than once; the rashes do not occur in the same place.
What Causes Shingles or Herpes Zoster?
Herpes zoster or shingles is caused by the virus that causes chickenpox, varicella-zoster virus. This can be treated but can not be cured. The risk of shingles increases with age.
What Are the Symptoms of Herpes Zoster or Shingles?
There are different symptoms at the initial and later stages of shingles. The initial symptoms are
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The affected people may have a severe fever.
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Chills and tiredness.
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May have a headache.
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The people will be sensitive to light.
The symptoms of the later stages of shingle are:
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Itching, tingling, and burning sensation of the rashes or blisters formed.
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Redness of the skin in the area affected by blisters and rashes.
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A fluid-filled blister may burst open.
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Mild to severe pain in the affected areas.
How Does a Shingle Outbreak Occur?
It usually takes three to five weeks from the start of the pain or discomfort until the rashes or blisters disappear.
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Initially, before the blisters or rashes appear, the person may feel mild pain or discomfort in the area of the skin; it is characterized as an itching, stabbing, or burning sensation.
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The blisters usually occur on only one side of the body. The rashes or blisters are usually a band or patch on the skin, generally on the waistline, one side of the face or neck, or the body's trunk.
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In four to five days, these blisters may be filled with fluid and become red, painful, burst-out blisters, and tend to dry within ten days.
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These completely cure about two to three weeks later.
What Is Postherpetic Neuralgia?
After the herpes zoster is treated, there is more chance of post-complication, known as PHN. It is a pain in the nerve where the shingles have occurred. The pain may be present even after three months of post-treatment.
How Is Herpes Zoster Diagnosed?
The blisters or rashes are bands or patches in a specific skin area. Herpes zoster or shingles are diagnosed by the pattern of blisters or rashes, which appear only on one side of the body. It may also be diagnosed in a lab with the help of a swab collected from the fluid-filled blisters.
How Is Shingle Treated?
Shingle or herpes zoster is treatable but has no permanent cure, which is the unfolding of an old viral infection. Usually, antiviral drugs are prescribed, which calms the discomfort or the pain and ceases the symptoms sooner. These medications are very effective when taken within 72 hours of the occurrence of the blisters. These medications also help prevent PHN, a common post-complication of shingles. In general, Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and Valacyclovir are recommended. Sometimes even antibacterial drugs are recommended for those who develop a bacterial infection due to the rashes. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed if blisters affect the eyes or other skin on the face.
How Does Acupuncture Therapy Help With Herpes Zoster?
Acupuncture and herbs play an essential role in the treatment of herpes zoster. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), shingles are caused due to heat and dampness. According to the TCM, shingles are present as
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Shingle Due to Liver Fire-
The person may have red hot blisters or rashes with severe burning effects on the skin, which is caused by a long time of stress, overwork, unhealthy diet, or overuse of alcohol. Acupuncture treatment aims to reduce heat and inflammation in the liver and gallbladder, deal with stress, and boost the immune system.
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Shingles Due to Damp Heat-
The rashes or blisters are usually fluid-filled that are covered with fragile skin. Removing dampness and heat from the body through acupuncture helps to treat herpes zoster.
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Blood Stagnation-
It is usually applied to older people with long-term infections, which lead to postherpetic neuralgia and are more likely associated with fatigue and poor sleep. Treatment usually focuses on the stagnant blood and aims at the blood flowing through the bloodstream.
Avoid particular foods like spicy and seafood, sugar, and alcohol to reduce the inflammation of shingles. Studies show that people treated with acupuncture experiences fewer post-complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia or nerve pain. People who receive the drug therapy end up with post complications or nerve pain. Acupuncture also enhances faster healing.
How Can Acupuncture Help to Reduce Pain?
Acupuncture is inserting thin needles at specific acupressure points in the body. After insertion, the needle is stimulated by electrical stimulators or by gentle movements. The needle will be present in the skin for about 30 minutes, which helps the body to release natural painkillers. Acupuncture should be performed daily or every week. Acupuncture is known to have better effects on people with herpes zoster. In addition, acupuncture with antiviral therapy helps to reduce the period and pain in three stages:
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Before the blisters appear.
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The time taken by the blisters to layer.
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For rashes to stop forming.
Conclusion
Herpes zoster is a viral disease caused by the reoccurrence of the virus that causes chickenpox, called the varicella virus, which usually occurs on one side of the body. It is usually characterized by the formation of blisters or rashes on the skin, with painful, burning, or itching sensations. A significant drawback of shingles is that it is treatable but can not be cured entirely. Usually, post complication, PHN, is nerve pain in the region affected by shingles. Acupuncture, along with medical therapy, helps to deal with the pain and reduces the timespan of each stage of herpes zoster, and also reduces the occurrence of PHN.
