Is heat good for shingles?

He Herpes zoster (also know as shingles) is a reactivation of the varicella virus that causes the appearance of a rash that can be very painful.

Applying heat to the rash is not recommended and it can even increase inflammation, skin sensitivity and the risk of the infection spreading and becoming more complicated.

What is shingles and how is it spread?

Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same one that causes chicken pox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissues near the spinal cord and brain.

Years later, the virus can reactivate and cause a rash, usually on one side of the body (often on the torso or face).

Shingles itself is not contagious, but a person with shingles can catch chicken pox to people who have not had it or who are not vaccinated against chickenpox as of the direct contact with the fluid coming out of the blisters that make up the eruption.

What are the first symptoms of herpes zoster?

The main symptom of herpes zoster, as we have mentioned before, is a painful rash which usually appears as on one side of the torso, face, or neck. This rash usually consists of small blisters that break and scab over time.

Before the eruptionsymptoms such as pain, burning sensation, itching or tingling on the skin, in the area where the rash will appear later.

there may also be flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, tiredness, sensitivity to light, malaise), before and during the rash.

The most common complication of herpes zoster is post-herpetic neuralgiawhich according to the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE) appears in the 10% to 15% of cases and is characterized by intense and persistent pain that can last even after the rash has disappeared. On the face, shingles it can affect the eyes and even cause vision lossso it is necessary to contact the doctor immediately.

is heat good for shingles?

Although there is a lack of studies on the impact of hot climates on shinglesit is known that the prolonged exposure to sunlightwhich contains ultraviolet radiation, can trigger or exacerbate skin conditionssuch as herpes zoster.

In addition, the heat increases sweating and excessive moisture on the skin can create an environment conducive to bacterial or fungal infectionswhich if they occur simultaneously with shingles can complicate the healing process and prolong symptoms.

On the other hand, it is not recommended applying heat to shingles rashes as a form of treatment increases blood flow and can exacerbate inflammation and thereby increase the pain. It may also increase the chances that the rash spreads or becomes infectedslow down the healing of sores and make recovery longer.

The application of heat also stimulates the nerves in the affected area, which already have greater sensitivity, and causes more pain, itching and discomfort.

Instead, apply cold packs or ice (wrapped in a cloth, never directly on the skin) or bathing in cool water can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and soothe itching.

What causes shingles?

Not everyone who has had chickenpox develops shingles.. Although the exact reasons why the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in some people and not in others are not known, it is known that there are certain factors that increase riskas:

Age: according to RENAVE data, it occurs in 30% of the population, especially after 50 years of age.Having a weakened immune systemsomething that may be due to some diseases (such as cancer or HIV), taking certain medications (immunosuppressants, corticosteroids…) or stress, among other factors.