[Medical Q&A] What should a pregnant mother do if she gets shingles?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Ma Liangkun, Chief Physician, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

If a pregnant mother gets shingles, she needs to be particularly careful in handling it, as it not only affects the health of the mother, but may also affect the health of the fetus.

Shingles is caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus, which is the common pathogen that causes chickenpox and shingles. After the body is infected with chickenpox, the virus may lurk in the sensory nerve root ganglia and cannot be cleared by the body's high-titer antibodies. When the immune system is low, the virus will reactivate and cause shingles. Early patients usually experience pain, burning or tingling in the skin area along a nerve distribution. Soon after the pain, erythema will appear on the skin. The erythema can quickly form clusters of blisters. These blisters are usually distributed in a band along the nerve and may rupture, forming ulcers, followed by scabs and eventually heal. Once pregnant mothers find these symptoms, they should go to the hospital immediately. It is best to consult an obstetrician and gynecologist, do symptomatic treatment, and monitor the health of the fetus to ensure that the treatment plan has the least impact on the fetus. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir can be taken orally within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash to relieve symptoms and shorten the course of the disease. If the pain is severe, analgesics need to be used under the guidance of a doctor. The affected area can be cold to relieve pain. Also, keep the affected skin clean and dry, and avoid friction and irritation. In addition, adequate rest and a balanced diet can help improve resistance and promote physical recovery. Because shingles can cause pain and discomfort, the mood of pregnant mothers will be greatly affected. At this time, the care and support of family and friends are also very important.