‘Kisipi’ spells a weak immunity
YOU have probably heard about or seen someone with shingles or herpes zoster locally known a kisiipi, famously known as a skin infection showing the signs of advanced stages of HIV/AIDS. The rash spreads in a vertical or horizontal strap, thus the kisipi name.
By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
YOU have probably heard about or seen someone with shingles or herpes zoster locally known a kisiipi, famously known as a skin infection showing the signs of advanced stages of HIV/AIDS. The rash spreads in a vertical or horizontal strap, thus the kisipi name.
But Dr. James Balagadde, a dermatologist at Cadam Medical Centre in Kampala, says herpes zoster is not unique to HIV/AIDS, but rather an illness triggered off by a weak immune system.
Herpes zoster is an infection of the nerve roots caused by the chicken-pox virus. It is believed the disease is often brought about by the reaction of the chicken-pox virus that hangs about in the body after one suffered from chicken pox earlier.
And when the body becomes weak, it resurfaces as herpes zoster. It can cause blindness, he adds.
“Herpes zoster presents with a burning and painful sensation on the skin because the virus moves up the nerves to get to the skin surface,†he clarifies.
This results in inflammation and damage to the nerve endings. The pain and skin inflammation, if not well treated can last up to six months. This can, therefore, have a toll on one’s life because the nerves heal very slowly, Balagadde adds.
In addition, Dr. Enid Byakagaba, a dermatologist and beautician in Kampala, says it cannot be denied that herpes zoster has a bearing on HIV.
In fact, it is highly triggered by the HIV in most cases as opposed to other ailments. However, some old and young people, because of a weak immune system, may suffer from herpes zoster at least once in their lifetime.
Treatment
The moment an itchy, reddish and scaly rash appear on the skin, seek medical care.
Oral treatment may help keep the rash at bay. When treated, it can heal in two to three weeks but may leave hideous scars.
Antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) can be adminstered in people living with HIV to fasten healing and reduce pain.
Take a pain killer as recommended by your dermatologist.
If the blisters persist, seek medical help.
Do not pop the blisters. Use dilute vinegar to soothe the itching and dry them up.
As the skin heals, it becomes scaly. Apply a small amount of mild baby jelly or oil at least three to four times a day to help remove the scales and rejuvenate the skin.
Keep the sores clean to avoid tetanus, and take your medication as directed by a physician.
Symptoms
These happen in stages. In the beginning, one may feel a headache or be sensitivity to light. One might also feel like he has flu.
Dizziness, general body weakness, long-term pain, a rash, distorted vision and mental fatigue.
A burning sensation on the skin due to damage on the nerves, thus causing inflammation on the skin.
A reddish rash that forms water-logged blisters.
YOU have probably heard about or seen someone with shingles or herpes zoster locally known a kisiipi, famously known as a skin infection showing the signs of advanced stages of HIV/AIDS. The rash spreads in a vertical or horizontal strap, thus the kisipi name.
But Dr. James Balagadde, a dermatologist at Cadam Medical Centre in Kampala, says herpes zoster is not unique to HIV/AIDS, but rather an illness triggered off by a weak immune system.
Herpes zoster is an infection of the nerve roots caused by the chicken-pox virus. It is believed the disease is often brought about by the reaction of the chicken-pox virus that hangs about in the body after one suffered from chicken pox earlier.
And when the body becomes weak, it resurfaces as herpes zoster. It can cause blindness, he adds.
“Herpes zoster presents with a burning and painful sensation on the skin because the virus moves up the nerves to get to the skin surface,†he clarifies.
This results in inflammation and damage to the nerve endings. The pain and skin inflammation, if not well treated can last up to six months. This can, therefore, have a toll on one’s life because the nerves heal very slowly, Balagadde adds.
In addition, Dr. Enid Byakagaba, a dermatologist and beautician in Kampala, says it cannot be denied that herpes zoster has a bearing on HIV.
In fact, it is highly triggered by the HIV in most cases as opposed to other ailments. However, some old and young people, because of a weak immune system, may suffer from herpes zoster at least once in their lifetime.
Treatment
The moment an itchy, reddish and scaly rash appear on the skin, seek medical care.
Oral treatment may help keep the rash at bay. When treated, it can heal in two to three weeks but may leave hideous scars.
Antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) can be adminstered in people living with HIV to fasten healing and reduce pain.
Take a pain killer as recommended by your dermatologist.
If the blisters persist, seek medical help.
Do not pop the blisters. Use dilute vinegar to soothe the itching and dry them up.
As the skin heals, it becomes scaly. Apply a small amount of mild baby jelly or oil at least three to four times a day to help remove the scales and rejuvenate the skin.
Keep the sores clean to avoid tetanus, and take your medication as directed by a physician.
Symptoms
These happen in stages. In the beginning, one may feel a headache or be sensitivity to light. One might also feel like he has flu.
Dizziness, general body weakness, long-term pain, a rash, distorted vision and mental fatigue.
A burning sensation on the skin due to damage on the nerves, thus causing inflammation on the skin.
A reddish rash that forms water-logged blisters.