Menopausal shingles should be seen early! The aftereffects are also [supervised by a doctor]

Be careful if you have persistent pain in your back, stomach, or face

When it comes to menopause and female hormones decrease, the immune system of the whole body decreases. As a result, the number of people who develop shingles increases during menopause. When resistance is weakened, poor physical condition due to menopause, overwork, lack of sleep, etc. overlap, and the immune system cannot withstand it, and it develops.

Shingles occurs in people who had chickenpox as a child or who become infected with the chickenpox virus. Once infected with the chickenpox virus, the virus remains dormant deep in the nerves even after the chickenpox is cured. Then, when the immune system weakens, it migrates to the skin and forms a rash, which then appears as herpes zoster.

Symptoms of shingles begin before the rash appears on the skin. Precursor pain is inflammation caused by the movement of the virus in the nerve, and the tingling and tingling pain continues. After that, many small red rashes appeared, and by that time the pain was even stronger.

See a dermatologist immediately if a rash appears

Until the rash appears, there is pain and discomfort, but in most cases the cause is unknown. In many cases, a rash appears and intense pain occurs before you notice anything unusual. The important thing is to see a dermatologist or a gynecologist as soon as possible at this time and start treatment.

People over the age of 50 can be vaccinated against herpes zoster.

If you do get it, treatment includes antiviral drugs and pain relievers. The sooner you start taking the medicine, the less skin symptoms you will have.     

The skin rash is red at first, then blisters, then pus-filled, then bursts into ulcers. After that, it becomes a scab and heals gradually.

Pain control is the most important part of shingles treatment. Neuralgia continues for some time after the onset, but it is important to use painkillers to reduce the pain as much as possible.

Even after shingles has healed, pain due to nerve damage may continue, and there are many sequelae. Therefore, follow the doctor’s instructions and take painkillers properly until the pain is relieved.

In addition, in order to increase immunity, try to eat a well-balanced diet and maintain a regular lifestyle. In particular, stress and overwork are great enemies during treatment. Get a good night’s sleep and avoid feeling tired.

Herbal remedies are recommended for pain control.

Herbal medicines are also used in the medical field to treat pain. Chinese herbal medicines are naturally derived herbal ingredients that work gently, so it can be said that side effects are generally considered to be less than Western medicines.

Kampo medicines help balance the mind and body, and lead to fundamental solutions to various ailments.

Pain control with Kampo medicine should be considered separately according to the course of herpes zoster.
(1) Herpes zoster pain (acute phase)
(2) Postherpetic neuralgia (chronic phase)

(1) Herpes zoster pain (acute phase)

We will use Chinese herbal medicine that regulates water metabolism and cools down the heat.

・Eppikajutsuto (Eppikajutsuto)
It is also used for skin diseases such as eczema and dermatitis with intense heat and redness. It is sometimes used in combination with antiviral drugs from the early stages of herpes zoster.
・Goreisan
: Can be used regardless of physical strength. Regulates water metabolism in the body.
・Orengedokuto (Orengedokuto) Cools
fever and suppresses inflammation for people with physical strength. .

(2) Postherpetic neuralgia (chronic phase)

Postherpetic neuralgia is caused by disturbance of the autonomic nervous system, stress such as inflammation, and fever that persists even after the rash disappears.

・Maobushi Saishinto
is used for cold pain. Even those who do not have physical strength can use it.
・Keishikajutsubuto
It is often used for neuralgia, joint pain, and cold pain. Even those who do not have physical strength can use it.
・Hochuekkito (Hochuekkito): It replenishes energy and regulates
the functions of the stomach and intestines. It is used for those who are aggravated by fatigue.

The important thing when choosing a herbal medicine is whether it matches the person’s condition and constitution. If it doesn’t match well, not only will you not feel the effect, but in some cases, side effects may occur.

In order to determine which Chinese herbal medicine is suitable for you, it is recommended to borrow the power of a professional. It would be a good idea to consult an online Kampo service such as ” Anshin Kampo “.

A pharmacist who is familiar with Kampo will identify the Kampo medicine that works for each individual and will mail it to your home at a reasonable price.

When recurrence is repeated, whole body examination

Once you get shingles, you rarely get it again, but in recent years, the number of people who get it again in old age is increasing. In some cases, the immune system weakens with age and relapses occur.

Particular attention should be paid to repeated recurrences within a relatively short period of time. In this case, it is recommended to undergo a thorough examination and cancer screening of the whole body.

In some cases, cancer was found after a detailed examination of the affected area due to recurrence of shingles. In addition, there may be diseases that cause a decline in immunity, such as diabetes and connective tissue disease, so let’s get tested just in case.

People who have never had chickenpox can be infected with shingles as chickenpox. People who have never had chickenpox can be infected, so care should be taken not to come into contact with small children, such as taking care of grandchildren, while the disease is present.