There has been an increase in the skin disease known as ‘shingles zoster’ and simply defined as ‘shingles’ recently. The disease, which is usually associated with the elderly, has now begun to affect young people as well. Stating that the incidence is increasing in young people, Dr. Çetinkunar pointed out that the high level of stress and anxiety experienced by young people today suppresses the immune system and causes the virus to revive.
“IT CAN EVEN BE MIXED WITH A HEART ATTACK”
Dr. Çetinkunar pointed out that shingles is seen after ‘chickenpox’ and said, “Shingles is a disease that is manifested by the formation of blisters, skin rashes and pain similar to chickenpox. The cause is a virus called Varicella Zoster (VZV). It is more commonly seen in the face, back, abdomen, chest and pelvis areas. In people who have had chickenpox or have been vaccinated, the virus kind of lies dormant in the body. However, when your immunity decreases, you become weak and tired, this dormant virus comes to life again.
Beforehand, patients feel severe pain, burning, stinging and itching. This disease usually affects the right or left side of the body. Typical rashes appear after 1-5 days. Diagnosis becomes easier when the rashes appear. Patients feel severe pain in the affected area. “However, when there is involvement in the chest area, patients may think they are having a heart attack due to the severe pain felt.”
“IT COMES TO BLINDNESS”
Emphasizing that there is no risk of transmission of shingles, Dr. Çetinkunar said, “If there is someone who has not had chickenpox after shingles, they can get chickenpox. It is very important to start treatment early. If the symptoms are treated within the first 3 days, the course of the disease will ease. Otherwise, the patient suffers from pain, especially for a long time. “Some of the shingles seen in the head area can turn into a serious condition that can lead to blindness in a few patients,” he said.
“RISK GROUPS SHOULD BE VACCINATED”
Dermatology Specialist Dr. pointed out that he is vaccinated against shingles. Deniz Çetinkunar said, “We have now started using vaccines. We recommend vaccination especially in the risk group. “We want people over 50 years of age, those who are undergoing oncological treatment, and those with weak immune systems to get the shingles vaccine, as the risk of occurrence increases,” he said.
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