Dr. Kennedy Anyachebelu, an independent consultant with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), has warned against the misconception that shingles, also known as the 'Calabar belt', is a direct indicator of HIV. He emphasized that this association is medically inaccurate. Anyachebelu made these remarks during a two-day national training of media personnel on lenacapavir, organized by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS.
According to Anyachebelu, shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in nerve cells for years before becoming reactivated and causing shingles. The reactivation can produce pain, burning, tingling, or itching in a particular area, followed by clusters of fluid-filled blisters, usually appearing on one side of the body or face.
Anyachebelu explained that HIV can increase a person's risk of developing shingles because it can weaken the immune system. However, he stressed that HIV is only one of several factors associated with the condition. Other factors that can increase the risk of shingles include advancing age, certain cancers, organ transplantation, and the use of medicines that suppress the immune system.
The term 'Calabar belt' is commonly used in some Nigerian communities to describe the characteristic band-like pattern of the shingles rash. However, Anyachebelu noted that the rash does not have to form a complete belt around the body. He also warned against the belief that a shingles rash becomes fatal if the two ends of the so-called belt meet around the body, stating that there is no medical basis for this claim.
Anyachebelu advised people who develop symptoms suggestive of shingles to seek medical attention early. He recommended that antiviral medicines, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, may be prescribed by healthcare professionals and are most effective when started early in the illness. He discouraged self-treatment and warned against cutting, burning, puncturing, or applying unproven substances to the blisters.
The pain associated with shingles can sometimes begin before the rash becomes visible. Patients may experience burning, tingling, itching, or severe pain in an area of the body before the characteristic blisters appear. Anyachebelu also warned that the pain could persist even after the rash has disappeared, and identified postherpetic neuralgia as one of the complications that can occur, particularly among older adults.
Anyachebelu urged Nigerians to seek proper medical evaluation when they develop a painful or unusual blistering rash rather than relying on myths associated with the 'Calabar belt'. He emphasized that shingles can be painful and can sometimes lead to complications, but it should not be surrounded by unnecessary fear or HIV stigma.
Key points
- Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
- HIV can increase a person's risk of developing shingles, but it is only one of several factors associated with the condition.
- Seeking medical attention early is crucial for effective treatment and to prevent complications.
