VIRAL On social media a man thought he had acne, when further researched the disease he suffered was not acne.
The Tiktok account @cimolkentang explained that his face, which was thought to have acne, turned out to be infected with a virus herpes zoster.
Herpes zoster is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. This disease is usually experienced by people who have low immunity due to stress, drugs, or other conditions.
Dermatologist and Venereologist Dr. Anthony Handoko, SpKK, FINSDV explained, the risk of herpes zoster disease increases during this pandemic because people worry too much about Covid-19 itself.
“So, anxiety and stress become a kind of gateway for other infectious diseases because of a weak immune system, one of the risks that increases during a pandemic is herpes zoster,” explained Dr. Anthony.
Herpes zoster (HZ) itself is commonly known by other names shingles, shingles, or shingles, which is a characteristic syndrome caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). The virus also causes chickenpox.
Reactivation occurs when immunity to VZV is decreased due to aging or immunosuppression. “Well, during this pandemic, anxiety and fear are also one of the factors that can reduce the strength of the immune system,” he added.
According to Dr. Anthony, during the pandemic he handled quite a few HZ patients. “Yes, there is at least one patient every week. This means that HZ during the pandemic is quite experienced by the community,” he said.
How can HZ disease attack the body?
Doctor Anthony explained that HZ transmission occurs through exchange of breath and contact with lesions or symptoms on the skin. Transmission of HZ occurs when there is direct contact with the fluid on the rash experienced by the sufferer.
READ ALSO:Viral Men Get Herpes Zoster, Is It Contagious?
Viruses that have entered the body will stay in the nerves and stay in them. In the end, it is active at unexpected times, depending on the decrease in immunity that occurs.
“Those who have never had chickenpox or have never had chickenpox of any kind have a high risk of contracting it. If infected, they will get chickenpox, not zoster. Then, the virus can develop at any time into Herpes Zoster. The incubation period of this disease is first times after contact until the appearance of lesions on the skin about 10 to 21 days,” he said.
Early symptoms of HZ are non-specific. According to Dr. Anthony, before visible signs appear on the skin such as a red and water-filled water-filled rash that clusters in the same area, the patient usually only experiences fatigue, headache, and weakness.
“These early symptoms usually last 1 to 5 days. It is highly recommended that when you notice any lesions, water-filled bumps, and red rashes on the skin, you should immediately go to the doctor for proper treatment. The sooner you treat it, the lower the risk of severity,” added Dr. Anthony.
–
–
