Treatment of Shingles

There are various medications used in the treatment of shingles. Shingles or herpes zoster is caused by the recurrence of the virus that causes chicken pox. This virus is known as the varicella virus. It lays dormant after a person has contracted chicken pox. It becomes active once again when a person has a weak immune system especially those who are 50 and above, stressed and suffers from an autoimmune disease. This reactivation may result to an attack of shingles.

You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you think that you have shingles. Treatment of shingles is deemed best if done immediately. Recently, doctors have recommended that a person suffering from shingles must take antiviral medications within 72 hours upon the onset of the rashes or lesions.

Initial Treatment

Local relief measures are initiated in order to alleviate the pain and discomfort. The primary goal is to soothe sensitive areas of the skin by preventing clothes from rubbing and irritating the affected area especially the skin lesions. Cool compresses with aluminum acetate or Burow’s solution are used to provide relief. Try applying cool compresses to blisters for 20 minutes. This helps to remove scabs and decreases potential for bacterial infection. Remember to keep the area clean also using mild soap and water.

Aside from basic relief measures, medications are of utmost importance. Medications against the virus, or an antiviral are primarily used for shingles attack. Antiviral helps reduce inflammation and pain during a shingles attack. It is very helpful in preventing complications like postherpetic neuralgia. This complication is characterized by extreme pain in areas affected even after the lesions and rashes are gone.
Together with an antiviral, pain medications are used as well.

Treatment for Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia is a common complication of shingles. It occurs to 10 to 15 percent of people who have had an attack of shingles. In postherpetic neuralgia, pain due to nerve damage persists even after several months of treatment and the lesions have healed. It may even last for years.

Medications used in the treatment of this complication include the following:

- Topical formulations of corticosteroids- used to treat the inflammation and pain

- Local anesthetic agents like lidocaine an prilocaine to block nerve transmission

- Combination of anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs are used as well to prevent the release of chemicals and damage to the nerves that causes postherpetic pain

- Another treatment medication used is a topical cream that has an ingredient called capsaicin. It has been proven to aid in pain relief. But the use of capsaicin may have adverse effects since it may contribute to nerve damage and more pain.

Treatment for Other Conditions

When herpetic rash or lesions appear on the forehead, nose, and cheeks and around the eye, you must immediately see an ophthalmologist. Treatment includes, the use of antiviral medications, cool compresses and appropriate rest.

Treatment of shingles must be started right away to prevent further complications and to speed up the healing process.