What causes one-sided body pain due to shingles, and what should be done about it?

May 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wan

Introduction

Pain affecting one side of the body caused by herpes zoster may result from herpes virus infection, viral invasion of nerves, inflammatory response, nerve conduction disturbances, or chronic neuralgia. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. If herpes zoster occurs, patients may use medications such as acyclovir glucose injection and calamine lotion under medical guidance.

In general, unilateral body pain caused by herpes zoster may be due to factors such as herpes virus infection, viral invasion of nerves, inflammatory response, nerve conduction disturbances, and chronic neuropathic pain. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Viral Infection

After initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the virus enters sensory nerve ganglia and remains dormant within nerve cells. When the immune system is weakened or deteriorates due to aging, the virus can reactivate and travel along sensory nerve fibers. This leads to a recurrence of VZV infection in the dermatomal region innervated by the affected nerve, resulting in herpes zoster. This viral infection causes neuritis, leading to the sensation of pain.

2. Viral Invasion of Nerves

After entering the body, the varicella-zoster virus spreads via the respiratory tract or direct contact to the skin and mucous membranes, causing chickenpox. During the course of chickenpox, the virus can disseminate through the bloodstream and nervous system to reach nerve ganglia throughout the body. There, it remains latent. When immunity declines or other triggering factors occur, the virus may reactivate and spread along sensory nerve fibers, causing nerve damage.

3. Inflammatory Response

During an outbreak of herpes zoster, the immune system mounts an inflammatory response against the virus. This inflammation can affect surrounding tissues, stimulating the nerve fibers in the infected area and resulting in pain.

4. Nerve Conduction Disturbances

Viral infection and the associated inflammatory response may lead to abnormal signal transmission in damaged nerve fibers. This can interfere with the normal processing of pain signals, thereby causing persistent pain sensations.

5. Chronic Neuropathic Pain

One of the complications of herpes zoster is long-term neuropathic pain. Persistent inflammation and nerve damage may result in long-lasting injury to nerve cells, leading to chronic pain.

If herpes zoster develops, patients should seek medical guidance for treatments such as intravenous acyclovir glucose injection or calamine lotion. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene is important.

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Can vaccination cure spider sores?

Vaccination cannot treat an active outbreak of shingles; its primary role is to prevent the disease from occurring or reduce the risk of recurrence, and it cannot replace standard treatments after onset. For individuals who have never had shingles, receiving the relevant vaccine can lower the risk of infection. For those who have previously been affected, vaccination can reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Daily skin care should be maintained, and during an outbreak, avoid friction or scratching the affected areas.