What causes herpes zoster?
Jul 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, shingles may be caused by factors such as aging, excessive fatigue, use of immunosuppressive agents, upper respiratory tract infections, diabetes, and others. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, one should maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, adjust clothing according to weather changes, and take precautions against infections.
Generally, herpes zoster may be caused by factors such as aging, excessive fatigue, use of immunosuppressive agents, upper respiratory tract infections, diabetes, and others. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Aging
With increasing age, the human immune system naturally declines in function. The ability to monitor and suppress the varicella-zoster virus weakens, allowing the virus lying dormant in the ganglia to be easily activated and multiply, thus triggering herpes zoster. In daily life, one should adhere to moderate exercise, such as walking or practicing tai chi, to enhance immune function.
2. Excessive Fatigue
Long-term engagement in high-intensity physical labor, frequent late nights, or continuous mental stress can leave the body in an overconsumed state, resulting in temporary decline in immune function. This prevents effective suppression of the varicella-zoster virus, thus triggering herpes zoster. It is important to plan work and rest time reasonably, avoid prolonged continuous labor, and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep daily.
3. Use of Immunosuppressive Agents
Long-term use of immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporine soft capsules, tacrolimus capsules, and mycophenolate mofetil dispersible tablets can inhibit the normal function of the human immune system, causing the dormant varicella-zoster virus to escape immune control and trigger herpes zoster. If symptoms of herpes zoster occur due to medication, inform the doctor immediately and adjust the treatment plan under medical guidance. Do not discontinue medication on your own.
4. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Durring an upper respiratory tract infection, invading viruses or bacteria divert the immune system's focus to fighting the infection, reducing resistance to the varicella-zoster virus. Dormant viruses may then become active, causing herpes zoster, often accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose. If symptoms are significant, medication such as compound paracetamol amine capsules,感冒灵颗粒 (Ganmaoling granules), or Lianhua Qingwen capsules may be used under medical guidance.
5. Diabetes
Patients with diabetes have persistently high blood sugar levels that can damage blood vessels and nerves, impair immune system function, reduce the body's resistance to the varicella-zoster virus, and make herpes zoster more likely to occur. Skin rashes may heal slowly, and pain may be more pronounced. Blood sugar must be strictly controlled as directed by a physician, using medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, insulin injections, or gliclazide sustained-release tablets.
In daily life, attention should be paid to personal hygiene, frequent hand washing, timely adjustment of clothing according to weather changes to prevent infections, and appropriate participation in physical exercise to enhance physical fitness.
