Shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that is responsible for chickenpox. Depending on the body’s condition, its course can vary, though it most commonly presents with skin lesions. Like any infectious disease, shingles can have complications. Therefore, it should be treated until complete recovery. Leech therapy may help in the fight against shingles.
Prompt intervention in shingles can mitigate the course of the disease. Thus, if symptoms of shingles appear, it’s crucial to immediately consult a doctor who will select the best form of treatment. It’s also worth asking about leech therapy – whether there are any contraindications and if it’s worth undergoing as part of shingles treatment. Leeches attached to the skin release many medicinal substances into the bloodstream, which can support conventional methods.
Shingles – what is it?
Shingle is an acute viral infectious disease with a severe course caused by the VZV virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. It primarily occurs in individuals who have had chickenpox in the past – the virus remains dormant in the body after the illness and can reactivate if conditions are favourable. The risk group mainly includes older people, pregnant women, and children.
Types of shingles
Typical shingles present with a rash. However, there are also more severe forms of shingles, such as:
- ophthalmic shingles – the virus attacks the eye or surroundings, causing conjunctivitis or iritis. It has a severe course and can result in vision damage;
- auricular shingles – lesions appear in or around the ear. It can cause taste loss and facial nerve paralysis, manifesting as an inability to close the eyelid and a drooping mouth corner. In extreme cases, it leads to unilateral hearing loss;
- disseminated (generalized) shingles – skin lesions are scattered throughout the body;
- necrotizing shingles – leads to the breakdown of skin lesions, resulting in ulcers;
- hemorrhagic shingles – characterized by bleeding into the skin.
Causes of shingles
Shingles result from the VZV virus’s reactivation, which remains in the body from chickenpox. This usually happens in states of decreased immunity due to factors like:
- taking immunosuppressive drugs;
- cancer and related treatments;
- malnutrition and body wasting;
- HIV infection and AIDS.
Shingles most commonly affects older individuals (50+), making age a risk factor.
Shingles – symptoms and course
Before the characteristic rash appears, one might feel run-down and unwell. Some people may also experience a sub-febrile condition or even a fever. At the site where the rash will later appear, various discomforts can be felt: pain, itching, throbbing, tingling, and burning.
In the next phase of shingles, a rash appears, initially as small spots that transform into dry blisters filled with serum. Subsequently, the lesions become erosions and then crusts, which can leave scars after falling off. All these are accompanied by symptoms similar to those felt before the skin changes appeared. Sometimes, the rash also affects mucous membranes, including the genital area.
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles is a viral disease but not as contagious as chickenpox. The risk of infection after contact with someone with shingles is relatively low—it occurs mainly through direct contact with the serous fluid from the blisters.
Although shingles mainly affect individuals who have already had chickenpox, an adult who has not had it in childhood can catch shingles from contact with a child currently going through chickenpox. Therefore, caution is advised when contacting chickenpox patients, especially if one does not remember having it themselves.
Shingles – treatment
Consult a shingles doctor who will diagnose and choose the best possible treatment. During therapy, it’s best to stay at home and pay special attention to hygiene to prevent the spread of lesions throughout the body. In treating shingles, antiviral medications containing substances like Acyclovir, Famciclovir, or Valacyclovir are primarily used to eliminate the cause of the ailment. In addition, pain relief medications are recommended to ease persistent symptoms.
Leeches for shingles
In the battle against shingles, starting treatment as quickly as possible and following the doctor’s recommendations is crucial. Conventional methods are primarily used, but not exclusively. Leech therapy is one of the treatments for shingles that bridges traditional and natural medicine. Attaching leeches to the skin can alleviate pain associated with shingles lesions and accelerate their healing. This is all thanks to the medicinal substances found in leech saliva.
Leech therapy involves attaching 2-10 leeches to the infected area of the body, depending on the severity and spread of the lesions. Usually, the procedure needs to be repeated at least two more times, sometimes more. The first effects can be seen or felt 24 hours after the procedure—there is a decrease in body temperature (if there was a fever), and the pain is no longer as intense.