Many individuals claim that shingles pain surpasses the intensity of childbirth, describing sensations akin to needle pricks, burning, and electric shocks. Statistical data indicates that 97% of Hong Kong residents over 39 years of age have experienced chickenpox infection. International studies reveal that one in three individuals will develop shingles (caused by the varicella-zoster virus) in their lifetime, with 50% of those aged 85 and above experiencing the condition.
A survey conducted in early 2024 by the Hong Kong Society of Infectious Diseases, Hong Kong Skin Health Foundation, and Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Hong Kong encompassed 2,743 adults aged 18 and above. Over 30% of respondents reported experiencing shingles, with more than 60% of elderly patients suffering from prolonged symptoms and post-herpetic complications, including neuralgia, for over a month, impacting their daily activities and sleep patterns.
Dr. Wong Chi-keung, a neurosurgical specialist, explains that shingles, medically termed as herpes zoster, manifests as painful, band-like red rashes with fluid-filled blisters. The causative agent is the varicella-zoster virus, which initially causes chickenpox. Following chickenpox recovery, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system for years. Reduced immunity, whether due to aging or stress, can trigger shingles recurrence in various body regions.
Common infection sites include the head, neck, chest, waist, and extremities, depending on the affected nerve pathway. Initially, infected areas exhibit itching or mild pain with burning sensations, followed by rash development within 1-3 days. The rashes evolve into blisters, spreading in a band-like pattern. These blisters persist for 1-14 days, potentially developing purulent or hemorrhagic content. Subsequently, the blisters rupture or atrophy, forming scabs over 2-3 weeks. Pain persists until rash resolution, with some patients requiring long-term pain management even months after complete healing.
Debunking the Myth of Fatal Truncal Shingles
Dr. Wong addresses the urban myth that shingles encircling the trunk is fatal: "Herpes zoster typically follows sensory nerve distribution patterns, rarely completely encircling the body due to the segmental and bilateral nature of neural distribution. Apparent circumferential patterns usually indicate multiple nerve involvement. While generally not directly fatal, shingles can cause severe complications in immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients or those with AIDS, potentially becoming life-threatening."
