Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for shingles

by Prof. Heidi Flatley Sr. Published 4 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Several antiviral medicines—acyclovir, 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

Jul 01, 2019 · If you think you have shingles, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment. Pain medicine, either over-the-counter or a prescription from your doctor, may help relieve the pain caused by shingles. Wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths (a lukewarm bath mixed with ground up oatmeal) may help ...

Self-care

Treatment can help reduce the amount of pain you feel. Be sure to tell your doctor if you continue to have pain. Treatment can help you feel more comfortable. For anyone who has a shingles rash, the right self-care can help ease your discomfort. You’ll find out what dermatologists recommend at, Shingles: Self-care.

Nutrition

Aug 11, 2021 · Seek Early Treatment," “Shingles: Hope Through Research.” Mayo Clinic Health Letter, June 2002. The New England Journal of Medicine : “A Vaccine to Prevent Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic ...

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Does shingles go away on its own?

The rash usually clears up in 2 to 4 weeks. You may see changes in the color of your skin when the scabs fall off. In more severe cases of shingles, these color changes could be permanent. Even though the rash from shingles gets better or goes away in a few weeks, the pain may last longer.Feb 23, 2021

What triggers a shingles outbreak?

Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.

How long does it take for shingles to go away?

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.Mar 31, 2022

What is the best pain relief for shingles?

Not everyone has the same amount of pain from shingles. Over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) and ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin) can help ease the pain. A liquid medicine that you put on your skin (brand name: Domeboro) can help cool the rash and stop the itching.Sep 15, 2005

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 happens if you let shingles go untreated?

If left untreated, some complications of shingles can be fatal. Pneumonia, encephalitis, stroke, and bacterial infections can cause your body to go into shock or sepsis.

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

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.

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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