In a skin-obsessed society where even the shade makes a difference, skin problems create many myths. One such problem is ringworm. It can be of different types, from a simple skin rash to shingles. A patient suffering from it already faces physical and psychological pressure, after which the lack of awareness creates a different kind of isolation towards him from other people. That’s why this herpes awareness week we’re talking about myths that have nothing to do with herpes.

dr. Monika Mahajan is with us to talk about it in detail. dr. Monika is the Medical Director at Max Multi Specialty Hospital, New Delhi.

First let’s know what herpes or herpes is

Some people associate this skin problem with reincarnation, sin and witchcraft. While it is only a skin disease. Which is caused by a virus. It’s actually the same virus that causes chicken pox. Until recently, similar misconceptions about chicken pox were widespread. Another common factor between the two diseases is that a person who has had chicken pox can easily get shingles.

Shingles Awareness Week 2023

Shingles Awareness Week is organized every year in the first week of March to clear up various misconceptions about shingles and to make its treatment available to more people. During this week, the causes and treatment of herpes are discussed in detail. In addition, those people who struggle with this problem are also normalized.

Come to know the popular myths about cold sores or cold sores and their truth

1 Shingles appear on the skin because of bad habits and old sins?

Fact: No, not at all. Sin or virtue has nothing to do with one’s body. This mythology and medical science are two different worlds. In medical science, we focus more on the cause and treatment of the problem, not on spreading hatred towards the person.

Speaking of shingles, Dr. Manika Mahajan says, “This problem is caused by the chicken pox virus. Usually after chicken pox, the Varicella Zoster virus remains in the body for a long time. Its presence can happen to anyone who is nervous. Because of which the body’s immunity gradually weakens. As a result, ringworm and rashes begin to appear on the skin.

2 Are people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine at greater risk of shingles?

Fact: it is true that covid-19 pandemic There is an increased risk of shingles in people after But it is nowhere related to the vaccine. Namely, because of the SARS-CoV virus, people’s immunity is seriously impaired. Shingles is associated with weak immunity. This is the reason why after every epidemic, which affects your immunity, the risk of shingles increases.

3 People who keep themselves clean can’t get shingles!

Fact: that if healthy lifestyle If it is related to, it is true to some extent. But its main connection is with your immunity. People suffering from diseases caused by poor lifestyle can get ringworm, no matter how clean they are. Such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney-related diseases.

4 Shingles is spread by touch, so patients should stay away!

Fact: Shingles Awareness Week is organized to clear up similar misconceptions. This is an infection caused by weak immunity and a virus. It is not spread by coming into contact with the patient. Patients suffering from this face severe pain. In such a situation, they need your support and appropriate treatment. Your prejudice and hatred can traumatize them.

5 Ringworm is an incurable disease and it goes with the person!

Fact: That’s not the case at all. Currently, medical science has advanced so much that treating shingles is possible. Painkillers can be given to the patient immediately after the appearance of skin rashes. At the same time, there is a vaccine available for it, so its risk can be reduced.

Elderly people in particular need to get the vaccine, this can avoid the risk of getting shingles again. Don’t assume it won’t happen again once you get shingles. Instead, get proper treatment with expert advice.

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