Will the area affected by shingles expand during the course of treatment?
Disease description:
My mother is 46 years old this year. She has many blisters on her body, which are quite itchy. After examination, she was diagnosed with herpes zoster. However, the affected areas are now increasing in size. I would like to know whether herpes zoster can continue to spread during treatment?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Whether the area of herpes zoster expands during treatment mainly depends on the timeliness and effectiveness of the treatment. Generally, if herpes zoster is detected promptly at the onset of symptoms and receives effective treatment, it typically does not spread extensively. This is primarily because treatment can control viral replication and dissemination, reduce inflammatory responses, and thereby prevent disease progression. If treatment is delayed or inappropriate, the affected area of herpes zoster may continue to expand. This could be due to uncontrolled viral activity leading to ongoing disease progression or the patient's weakened immune system failing to adequately resist the virus. Additionally, during treatment, patients should maintain good skin hygiene, avoid scratching, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to promote recovery.
