Shingles is an infection that comes from the varicella-zoster virus, which is also the virus that causes chicken pox. While there is no cure for shingles, treatment for shingles is available.

Shingles usually results in a rash affecting a specific part of your body. People often get shingles when they are older, and the chances of contracting this infection are greater if you had the chicken pox at some point in your lifetime. The rash caused by shingles can sometimes develop into blisters on your skin. The rash and the blisters can be very painful, and will often itch and hurt.

The infection can be treated with medication and other remedies that you can do at home when you have an outbreak. The most important thing you can do to manage your shingles is visit your doctor regularly.

Typical Methods of Treatment For Shingles

When your doctor diagnoses you with shingles, you will probably immediately start on a strong antiviral medication to control the disease and limit the outbreak you are suffering. When you live with shingles, you will have periods of dormancy where there are no symptoms, and then flare-ups, when the rash and blisters show up and cause you pain. Your antiviral medicine will likely be acyclovin, valacyclovin, or famciclovin. These have proven to minimize the duration and effect of shingles on your body.

In addition to the antiviral prescription, your doctor might also want you to take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to reduce pain, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. These pain relievers will help you feel a little more comfortable when the outbreaks are the worst. Antidepressants and anticonvulsant medications have also proved to be beneficial to people suffering from shingles, but your doctor will want to consider your overall health and medical conditions before prescribing additional, stronger drugs for your shingles.

Treatment For Shingles After Your Doctor’s Visit

Many topical creams will work on soothing the areas on your skin that shingles has infected. You might get a prescription for lidocaine patches, or you can use a cream that contains benzocaine to prevent pain and itching. Most of those creams are available as OTC medications, but talk to your doctor about which one he or she recommends. Benadryl is often good to relieve itching. Antibiotic creams might also be necessary to keep open sores or blisters from becoming infected.

After you see your doctor to discuss a treatment plan, be sure to take care of yourself at home. Keep your skin clean, cool, and dry when you are suffering from a shingles outbreak. Try not to scratch the skin where you have a rash. Use the creams to prevent itching, and try to distract yourself from the area. If you scratch at the rash, you will only increase the possibility of getting a worse infection, and you might have scarring later on after the flare-up is over.

Many people feel better applying cool towels or compresses to the areas that are most uncomfortable. This is especially useful if you have blisters that are breaking open or leaking fluid. Soak a towel or a wash cloth in cool, clean water, wring it out and place it lightly over your skin. Not only will this treatment soothe your blisters, it will also help them dry up quickly, and remove any scabs that have appeared on your skin. It will also keep the area clean, which means there will be less bacteria that can cause an infection. Remember that any fluid coming out of your blisters carries the shingles virus. It is extremely contagious, especially to anyone who might get the chicken pox.

Wear loose clothing that will keep the affected area covered, but not harmed. You do not want to wear anything that is going to fit tightly against the skin. It will only cause you discomfort and additional pain. When you shower or bathe, clean the area infected with shingles with a mild soap and warm water. Pat the area dry with a towel. Do not rub or irritate it. Some people have used petroleum jelly on the rash to keep it feeling better. Try this before you get dressed.

Tips For Avoiding Long-Term Effects of Shingles

Sometimes, shingles can cause more serious health complications. Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a condition of prolonged pain that lasts for months or even years. If a large part of your body becomes covered with a blistery rash, internal organs such as your heart and lungs can be affected. Any infection that breaks out on your face or forehead is also dangerous and can impair your sight. In very bad cases, the nerves in your brain can be impacted by a shingles outbreak. This is why it is serious to contact your doctor any time you have an outbreak, or notice a change in your symptoms or condition. Talk to your doctor frequently about how the both of you are managing your treatment for shingles, and take any advice that you get from your physician.

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3. Treatment For Shingles Aided By Early Detection of Symptoms
4. Prevent the Spread of Varicella Zoster Virus During Treatment For Shingles