There’s a preconceived notion that making such figures will cure the disease.[break] However, it’s just a myth. Instead, Herpes Zoster is a viral infection in the nerves, and it spreads along the branches of the infected nerves, said Dr Sudhir Giri, resident doctor at the department of dermatology and venereology, Tribuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH).
During its initial phase, there can be some sort of rash and a burning feeling on that part of the skin, informed Dr Giri. Also, there can be some blisters on a limited area on one side of the body that can usually be in the form of a stripe.
Herpes Zoster can affect any part of the body—neck, torso, ears, eyes—where the nerves are connected. So even it’s cured in the early stage, it can have a long-lasting effect with a slight pain for a longer time. However, the disease isn’t a severe one, and can be treated through antiviral creams and tablets, Dr Giri said. The medical dose ranges from ten days to an additional period, if required.
Dr Giri also pointed that Herpes Zoster can result into complications for people over 40 if not taken care in time. Since it’s a viral infection, the disease can also affect the heart, lungs and other parts of the body. Thus, for aging people, the indication should be immediately treated, preferably in less than 72 hours.Another common myth associated with Herpes Zoster is that people die if the rash completes a circular formation. This too isn’t right, Dr Giri said.
He said that people don’t die due to this. However, the seriousness of Herpes Zoster can be understood when there’s a circular formation, he added. In most conditions, the rashes don’t cross the midline of the body, from one side of it to the other. But when the immune system of the body is weak or when people have chronic illnesses, this can cross the midline and develop a circular form.
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