Treatment FAQ

what is the most common treatment for shingles

by Katelyn Rutherford PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Several antiviral medicines—acyclovir
acyclovir
Aciclovir (ACV), also known as acyclovir, is an antiviral medication. It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. Other uses include prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following transplant and severe complications of Epstein–Barr virus infection.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Aciclovir
, valacyclovir, and famciclovir
—are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness. These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears.

Medication

Oct 12, 2021 · Tips for coping with shingles Wear loose-fitting, natural-fiber clothing. Take an oatmeal bath or use calamine lotion to soothe your skin. Apply a cool washcloth to your blisters to ease the pain and help dry the blisters. Keep the area clean and try not to scratch the blisters so they don’t become ...

Self-care

Aug 11, 2021 · Creams and other skin treatments: A mixture of liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine, an antiviral drug, may reduce swelling and the number of blisters you have when you put it on your...

Nutrition

Apr 04, 2022 · Shingles in addition to fever can be concerning. It may mean you have a superimposed bacterial infection, which could require antibiotics and close observation. Confusion or seizures. Shingles in...

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Which is the most commonly prescribed first line treatment for shingles?

Oral aciclovir is first-line* if antiviral treatment is given. Aciclovir 800 mg, five times daily, for seven days is the recommended first-line antiviral treatment for a patient with shingles.

What triggers a shingles outbreak?

Causes of shingles Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. After you have had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant (inactive) inside your body. It can become reactivated at a later stage and cause shingles.

What cream is best for shingles?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using calamine lotion for shingles. Calamine lotion can create a cooling sensation to help with itching from conditions such as chickenpox.

How quickly do antivirals work on shingles?

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

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

What is the most painful stage of shingles?

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. This is known as a condition called postherpetic neuralgia.Aug 23, 2021

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for shingles?

To help with the pain of shingles, your doctor might have you take an over-the-counter pain medicine. This could include acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (two brands: Motrin, Advil). Applying a medicated anti-itch lotion (two brands: Benadryl, Caladryl) to the blisters might reduce the pain and itching.Feb 23, 2021

How long do you feel unwell with shingles?

How long does shingles last? 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. Somewhere between one and five days after the tingling or burning feeling on the skin, a red rash will appear.6 days ago

Is it OK to use hydrocortisone cream on shingles?

️ Don't apply the cream to broken skin or open wounds, or areas of skin affected by any of the following conditions: Viral skin infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, cold sores or herpes simplex.Jul 2, 2019

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

What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir)? Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to help keep you from spreading the herpes virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes.Feb 26, 2021

What does a mild case of shingles look like?

Raised red rash which usually appears a few days after the pain. Multiple blisters which appear in a stripe pattern. The blisters contain fluid and they break open with crusting.

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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