Stress and anxiety have increased the incidence of ‘Zona’ in young people.

Dermatology Specialist Dr. Deniz Çetinkünar stated that shingles is now seen in young people as well, saying, “We observe that shingles, which is most commonly seen in patients over 50 years old and those undergoing oncological treatment, is also present in young people. The reason for this may be the stress and anxiety experienced by young people.”

‘Zona zoster’, commonly referred to as ‘shingles’, is experiencing an increase lately. This disease, which is usually associated with the elderly, has now started to affect young people as well. Dr. Çetinkünar noted that the frequency of its occurrence in young people is increasing, emphasizing that the high levels of stress and anxiety experienced by young people can suppress the immune system, leading to the reactivation of the virus.

“It can even be confused with a heart attack”

Dermatology Specialist Dr. Deniz Çetinkünar from Acıbadem Adana Hospital spoke to İhlas News Agency regarding this issue. Dr. Çetinkünar pointed out that shingles appears after ‘Chickenpox’, stating, “Shingles is a disease characterized by blister formation similar to chickenpox, skin rashes, and pain. Its cause is a virus called Varicella Zoster (VZV). It is more commonly seen in the face, back, abdomen, chest, and pelvis areas. The virus lies dormant in individuals who have had chickenpox or have been vaccinated against it. However, when your immunity drops, when you are weakened or fatigued, this dormant virus reactivates. Before the rash appears, patients experience severe pain, burning, stabbing, and itching sensations. Usually, this disease affects either the right or left side of the body. Typical rashes appear 1-5 days later. When the rashes appear, our diagnosis becomes easier. Patients experience severe pain in the affected area. However, if the chest area is involved, due to the severe pain felt, patients may think they are having a heart attack,” he stated.

“It can lead to blindness”

Dr. Çetinkünar emphasized that there is no risk of transmission from shingles, saying, “If someone who has not had chickenpox is exposed to shingles, they can catch chickenpox. It is very important to start treatment early. If treatment is initiated within the first 3 days of symptom onset, the course of the disease becomes milder. Otherwise, the patient experiences severe pain for a long time. Some cases of shingles seen in the head can turn into a serious condition that leads to blindness in a small number of patients,” he said.

“Risk groups should get vaccinated”

Noting that there is a vaccine against shingles, Dermatology Specialist Dr. Deniz Çetinkünar stated, “We have started to use the vaccine. We especially recommend it for those in risk groups. The risk of shingles is higher in patients over 50 years old, those undergoing oncological treatment, and those with weakened immune systems, so we advise them to get the shingles vaccine.”