A Patient with Reactivated Chickenpox Virus | Random Chamber Talk | December 18, 2024

avatar

On December 1st, a middle-aged man came to see me with rashes on the right side of his trunk, both front and back, presenting in a band-like fashion. Medically, this is referred to as "along the dermatome." Observing the lesions and the pattern of involvement, I immediately recognized the condition as shingles, also known as herpes zoster. This condition is caused by the same virus that leads to chickenpox—the varicella-zoster virus. After an individual has chickenpox, some of the virus can remain dormant in the spinal nerve roots. Later, when the virus reactivates, it produces localized skin lesions in the area supplied by the affected nerve, rather than the widespread lesions seen in chickenpox.

During the initial visit, I prescribed antiviral tablets, ointments, and additional medications to alleviate his symptoms.

Four days later, he returned to my office. Some of the blisters had enlarged, while others had burst and dried up. He was experiencing fever, body aches, and a headache. I adjusted his medication and provided further counseling.

He came back again after 12 days. The lesions had dried up, leaving some scars, but he was now experiencing a burning sensation and pain in the affected area. His symptoms suggested post-herpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that can persist for three months or longer. The burning pain is a result of nerve involvement. I prescribed additional medication to help improve his symptoms.

Some photographs

Morning

Noon

Night

hafiz34.gif

hive-140084 aliveandthriving bbh pob hive-engine cent archon hivehustlers palnet pepe ecency
0
0
0.000
12 comments
avatar

A lot of sick people everywhere, it's unfortunate for that patient. I hope he gets better soon.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I hope so. But, his suffering won't go away easily 😢

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I feel for the man shingles are painful.

I had one bump above my eye, I did not feel well and the pain kept getting worse so I went to the ER, they admitted me and the doctor did not know what was wrong so they put me in isolation.

My sister was brushing my hair when the doctor came into the room and she told him I had bumps on top of my head like the one above my eye. That is how I found out it was shingles.

The doctor said it is rare to get them the first time on the face and head. I hope I never get them again.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Hmm. it's rare to get on head/face area.

thanks for sharing your story.

yes. the man was quite in pain and distress.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

He said it was rare for someone to get shingles the first time on the head. Not that it is rare to get them on the head.

Since I had them in 2013 when I sit at the keyboard and hold my hands in the air, like when you are thinking what to type, both hands drop and hit the keyboard with a bang. I never have told a doctor about it but I think the shingles cause it to happen. oops, now I told a doctor. !LOL

I feel for anyone who gets shingles, they are painful, in the hospital I was on a machine where I could push a button and inject myself with a painkiller every 4 hours.

0
0
0.000
Reply