Treatment FAQ

shingles treatment how long for medicine to work

by Dr. Adolphus Moore Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible, as it is most effective when started within 72 hours after the shingles rash appears.Feb 15, 2022

Medication

Shingles normally lasts 3 to 5 weeks, but there are some factors that may affect how long it takes to heal. Learn more about what to expect.

Self-care

Aug 24, 2017 · Shingles usually lasts two to six weeks, following a consistent pattern of pain and healing. Keep reading to learn more. What happens at each stage When the virus first reactivates, you may feel a...

Nutrition

If the blisters are located on the face, you should not go back to work until they have crusted over (usually within 7 to 10 days). If the blisters are located in an area you can cover with bandages or clothing you may get back to work as soon as you feel well enough to do so.

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How long do shingles meds take to work?

Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 3 days of the rash onset, although they may still be prescribed within the first 7 days of the rash appearing.

How long do shingles last after medication?

Most cases of shingles last three to five weeks. The first sign is often burning or tingling pain; sometimes it includes numbness or itching on one side of the body.Apr 7, 2022

How long does it take for acyclovir to work for shingles?

May take up to three days for symptom reduction; however, acyclovir should be taken until the course prescribed is completed. Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.May 21, 2021

How painful is shingles on a scale of 1 to 10?

“Shingles is extremely painful," Wigand-Bolling said. “On a scale from one to 10, most patients will say the pain ranges from six to 10.” Between 1 and 5 days after the first symptoms occur, a rash will develop in the affected area.Dec 23, 2021

What are the final stages of shingles?

The 4 stages of shingles and how the condition progressesThe stages of shingles are tingling pain, followed by a burning feeling and a red rash, then blistering, and finally the blisters will crust over.You will typically develop a rash about 1-5 days after you feel numbness or tingling pain.More items...•Aug 13, 2020

How do you know if shingles are healing?

The Stages of Shingles RecoveryBlisters begin to burst or weep about 5 days after they develop, and lasts from 7 to 10 days. ... The blisters will scab over and begin to heal, which takes from 1 to 3 weeks, unless the rash is on your scalp in which case it can take several months.More items...

When do shingles symptoms peak?

Typically, the peak pain of shingles is felt within 4 or 5 days after the first symptoms develop, and it comes along with a blistering rash. As the blisters scab over, the pain usually starts to disappear. In some cases, the pain does not go away.Aug 23, 2021

Is 7 days of Valtrex enough for shingles?

For treatment of shingles: Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) three times a day for seven days. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.Feb 1, 2022

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment may include medication and vaccination.
Medication

Antivirals: Drugs used to kill a virus or suppress its ability to replicate.

Acyclovir . Valacyclovir . Famciclovir


Anti-inflammatory drugs: Drugs used to manage inflammation due to the infected virus.

Ibuprofen . Diphenhydramine . Capsaicin

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

Following home treatments can help relieve the symptoms, these include:

  • Rest – relax body and mind.
  • Apply cold compress to the rashes to reduce the pain.
  • Apply Calamine lotion on rashes to reduce itching.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in gluten like wheat germ, brewer's yeast, eggs, and whole grains.
  • Eat green, orange, and yellow vegetables at every meal.
  • green leafy vegetables are also good sources of calcium and magnesium, which will help heal your nerve endings.

Foods to avoid:

  • Red meat, fried Foods, or chocolate and carbonated beverages (not even fizzy water) or drinks containing caffeine.
  • Stay away from refined sugar products, including cookies, cakes, sweet baked goods, and sodas.

Specialist to consult

Ophthalmologist
Specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

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