Will the snake-like rash (herpes zoster) spread to others?
Jul 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, can generally be contagious to others. In daily interactions, patients with herpes zoster should avoid allowing others to come into direct contact with their blisters and should not share personal items such as towels or clothing. Additionally, it is important to keep the affected area clean to prevent the spread of the virus if blisters rupture.
"Chanyao She" usually refers to herpes zoster. Under normal circumstances, herpes zoster may be contagious to others. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can exist in the fluid within the blisters of patients. When healthy individuals come into direct contact with this blister fluid containing the virus, there is a risk of infection. Particularly for those who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it, infection may lead to symptoms of chickenpox; while individuals who have previously had chickenpox typically won't contract it again after being infected, but the virus may still remain dormant in the body and potentially cause herpes zoster later in life.
In daily interactions, patients with herpes zoster should avoid allowing others to directly touch their blisters and should not share personal items such as towels, clothing, or other objects. Additionally, it is important to keep the affected area clean to prevent the spread of the virus if blisters rupture. Healthy individuals, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, should avoid close contact with herpes zoster patients as much as possible. If accidental contact with the blister fluid occurs, the affected area should be washed promptly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
