Shingles, a viral infection, can cause a painful rash. Maintaining good hygiene is important in preventing the spread of infections. This article explores the shingles virus and the role of hygiene practices in its management.
Understanding Shingles and the Varicella-Zoster Virus
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, results from the reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an initial chickenpox infection, VZV remains dormant in nerve cells. The virus can reactivate later, leading to shingles.
VZV is a member of the herpesvirus family. Transmission primarily occurs through direct contact with fluid from the characteristic blisters of an infected person. While shingles itself is not contagious, a person with shingles can spread VZV to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. This exposure would then cause chickenpox in the individual, not shingles.
How Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Work
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain ethanol or isopropanol as active ingredients, typically at concentrations of 60% to 90%. These alcohols work by denaturing proteins and dissolving the lipid membranes that surround many viruses and bacteria. This disruption inactivates the pathogen, preventing it from attaching to and entering host cells.
Viruses are categorized as “enveloped” or “non-enveloped.” Enveloped viruses possess an outer lipid membrane, making them susceptible to alcohol’s membrane-dissolving action. Non-enveloped viruses, lacking this lipid layer, are more resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers.
Why Hand Sanitizers Are Ineffective Against Shingles
While the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is an enveloped virus, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are generally ineffective for preventing shingles transmission in practice. Hand sanitizers are designed for general hand hygiene to reduce transient microbes on the skin, not to clean visibly soiled hands or address specific viral exposures like blister fluid.
Washing hands with soap and water is superior because it physically removes the virus and contaminated material from the skin surface. Hand sanitizers may not fully penetrate or inactivate the virus effectively enough when it is contained within the fluid of shingles blisters or if hands are visibly contaminated. Relying solely on hand sanitizer is not a robust strategy for preventing VZV transmission.
Recommended Hygiene Practices for Shingles
Effective hygiene practices are important for individuals with shingles and those around them to prevent viral spread. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is the most effective method, especially after touching the rash or blisters. Hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds.
Covering the shingles rash with a sterile, nonstick bandage prevents direct contact with the fluid-filled blisters. This physical barrier helps contain the virus and reduce transmission risk. Personal items, such as towels and clothing, should not be shared to avoid indirect spread. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may have come into contact with blister fluid is also advised. Standard household disinfectants effective against viruses can be used.