What happens if shingles blisters are scratched and broken?

May 05, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wan

Introduction

Herpes zoster is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, affecting the peripheral nerves and skin. It is mainly characterized by symptoms such as blisters, rashes, and neuralgia, and is moderately contagious. The fluid within herpes zoster blisters contains a large amount of virus; if a patient scratches and breaks the blisters, the virus may spread and infect others. Scratching can also lead to bacterial infection and even leave scars.

In general, scratching and breaking the blisters of herpes zoster may lead to transmission, bacterial infection, or scarring. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Transmission

Herpes zoster is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus that affects peripheral nerves and the skin. It is mainly characterized by symptoms such as blisters, rashes, and nerve pain, and is somewhat contagious. The fluid within the blisters contains a large amount of virus. If a patient scratches and breaks the blisters, the virus may spread and infect others.

2. Bacterial infection

After the blisters are broken due to scratching, local wounds may remain. If proper infection prevention is not observed, bacteria may invade the wound and worsen the condition.

3. Scarring

If patients scratch the affected area with their hands, causing the blisters to rupture, it not only increases the risk of bacterial infection but may also damage the skin, potentially leading to permanent scarring.

Patients can follow medical advice to take oral medications such as acyclovir tablets or valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets for treatment. They should wear soft, loose clothing to minimize friction and avoid scratching the affected area with their hands.

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