A swim in a swimming pool, and the holidays saw a disaster! This is what this 22 -year -old young American was experienced, when an eruption developed on her left arm, suggesting an allergy to chlorine – at least that is what she suggested on Reddit before other users suggested another origin. In the end, she explained that her rash was finally due to the Zona. Zona, and the received ideas that hover around swimming.
What is the zona that can be touched?
Dr. Kierzek recalls that “The zona is not an infection that is contracted from the external environment as a bacteria or a fungus“. It is actually a viral disease due to the reactivation of the chica-za virus (VZV), the same which causes chickenpox. After a chickenpox, often in childhood, the virus remains latent in the nervous nodes.
Years later, a weakening of the immune system can awaken this virus. “”Instead of manifesting itself in the form of chickenpox (generalized), it moves along the nerves to the skin, causing the painful eruption of the zona, typically on one side of the body or the face“, describes the doctor, as we can see on this video of another victim.
Dr. Kierzek insists on an often overlooked point: “A person with a zona can transmit the VZV virus to a person who has never had chickenpox. This person will then develop chickenpox, not the zona. The transmission is by direct contact with the liquid of the vesicles, not by air, water or surfaces“.
Dr. Kierzek explains that individuals with weakened immune system have a greater risk of seeing the virus reappear, in particular:
- People over 50 because with age, immunity decreases;
- People under chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
- People living with HIV/AIDS;
- Immunosuppressive under-treatment patients (after an organ transplant, for a self-immune disease);
- People with intense stress or great fatigue;
- People with chronic diseases weakening the body;
- Anyone who has had chickenpox (which represents a very large part of the population).
Why can the holidays trigger a zona?
If swimming is not responsible for the infection, the holiday period can promote its appearance. “”The period just before the holidays is often very stressful“Recalls the doctor.”This episode of acute stress is a classic to temporarily weaken the immune system, and the virus can take advantage of it to reactivate“.
© Reddit
The lesions shared by the young American on Reddit
The brutal change in rhythm also plays a role. “”The transition from an active and stressed mode to a rest mode is not always well managed. This sudden transition can be a shock for the body and disrupt the immune system“, He explains. Added other factors: sun exposure, lack of sleep, parties, excess food …
In summary, Dr. Kierzek insists: “The holidays do not cause the zona. But the combination of these factors creates an ideal terrain for reactivating the chicken-zona virus which was sleeping wisely in the nervous nodes“.
How to treat the zona?
According to Dr. Kierzek, the healing of the zona can be favored in six stages:
- Wash with lukewarm water and clean the skin daily (including the zona) with a surgras soap;
- Once dried, locally disinfect lesions using a disinfectant (chlorexidine type) several times a day;
- Change your bandages or dressings frequently;
- Apply fresh water compresses to the infected area to relieve pain and itching;
- Above all, do not scratch;
- Wear loose outfits, and preferably cotton.
“”Do not use talc, creams or ointments without medical or pharmaceutical advice … Cut your nails and do not scratch yourself, at the risk of leaving indelible scars“Advives the expert.
And in the event of a zona located in the eye, “Do not put eye drops containing a corticosteroid that would worsen eye lesions. Always ask your doctor or ophthalmologist advice“, He concludes.
Limit the spread of the virus and protect others
As specified, anyone who has had chickenpox can see the zona re -emerge. However, it is necessary to protect all people who have never been touched by chickenpox. If you have reached, Dr. Kierzek therefore advises “Stay away from those around you pregnant, having a baby less than 6 months old or immunodeficiency until your recovery. Do not share your toiletry or your clothes and wash Hands with soap every time you have hit the infected area“.