St. Anthony’s fire: beware of stress

Everyone calls it shingles, but its scientific name is Herpes Zoster and it is a much more widespread infection than you think. Also because of stress.

Even one in four people in their lifetime, and especially after the age of 50, has to deal with this very painful disorder, “relative” of chickenpox. When you recover from this exanthematic disease, in fact, the virus that causes it does not leave the body but “takes refuge” in the nerve ganglia of the spine or cranial nerves.

Here it can remain silent even for life. Or wake up, perhaps 30 years after you had chickenpox and manifest yourself with often unbearable pain. Herpes Zoster is only triggered if there is a factor that acts as a switch to awaken the virus.

When tensions ignite the virus

The risk is three times higher for those under pressure. “The mechanism is not clear and this would explain why not all stressed people get sick with Herpes Zoster,” explains Andrea Altomare, a specialist in dermatology at IRCCS Galeazzi in Milan.

“The common denominator, however, is always the same – adds the dermatologist – that is to say, a decline in immune defenses. This virus is in fact among those that in medicine are called “opportunists”: they remain silent when the body is in well-being, and then activate when the immune system is weakened, just as can happen in a period of high stress ».

Risk factors

A period of tension with the partner, or in the workplace, is not enough. The mix that can stimulate the awakening of shingles is much more complex. “We need situations that have a strong impact on the body and psyche,” continues Altomare. “The peak diagnosis occurs especially when the patient is facing particular situations, such as surgery.”

The same is true in the case of highly debilitating diseases, such as some autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease to name just a few, especially at certain times in life. Just think of the desire for motherhood in young women and all the anxieties it can bring with it.

“Finally, let’s not forget the elderly, who represent the segment of the population most exposed to the risk of herpes zoster”, underlines Altomare. “Here the greater fragility of the immune system is undoubtedly the master, associated in certain situations with states of psychological stress, such as a bereavement in the family, which can act as a start”.

Recognize the first signs

One thing is certain: it is almost impossible to prevent shingles. But much can be done to heal quickly. In fact, the sooner you recognize it, the better you care.

The first sign is a burning pain in a precise point of the body, similar to fire precisely, which increases in intensity with the passing of the hours. After a few days, or even a few hours, patches appear on the skin that are covered with cluster vesicles full of liquid.

The most affected parts are the chest or the back to the shoulder and sometimes the arm and abdomen. In rare cases the virus can attack the face, especially the area around the eye or ear.

The treatment is always based on specific antiviral drugs, mostly administered orally. And if the pain is very strong, an anti-inflammatory drug is added.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *