Medical Shingles Treatment

According to the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, shingles will affect about two out of 10 people during their lifetime. Anyone who's had the chickenpox is at risk for shingles, although it's more common in those who are over the age of 50 or who have depressed immune systems. There may be no need to treat shingles medically if the eruption is not severe and does not cause extreme pain. However, there are medical treatments for shingles available to hasten the healing process and provide pain relief.

More About Shingles

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that gave you chickenpox as a child--the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the herpesviridae family. Even after chickenpox goes away, the varicella virus remains in the body. It resides in the nervous system, where it sleeps until something causes it to reactivate. Only, instead of getting chickenpox again, you get shingles--a painful blistery rash that typically affects only one side of the body. Shingles can erupt anywhere, but according to the Mayo Clinic, sufferers usually experience a "band" of watery blisters that extends from one side of the trunk from spine to breastbone. It can also present on one side of the face or neck, and even erupt around the area of the eyes--this requires close monitoring by a physician.

Shingles Treatment

According to the Mayo Clinic, a single instance of shingles will heal on its own after a few weeks. But because this condition can be very painful, there are medications that can shorten the duration of shingles and lessen symptoms. A doctor may prescribe and oral antiviral medication such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir--the same medications used to treat oral and genital herpes. Oral antivirals are most successful when used within 72 hours of onset, before the rash erupts during the pro-domal stage, when the skin is painful and "tingly."

Managing Pain

Patients who are in severe pain may require additional medical management while shingles is present. Some patients experience a condition called postherpetic neuralgia due to the nerve damage caused by shingles, and experience pain after shingles has healed. A doctor may prescribe a narcotic pain-killer, tricyclic antidepressant or anticonsulvant, or recommend a topical numbing cream while shingles is active.

Preventive Treatment

A vaccine is available to help prevent shingles in certain populations. According to the Mayo Clinic, the varicella-zoster vaccine is appropriate for those over the age of 60 who've had chickenpox before--although it can't be used to treat people who currently have a case of the shingles. The vaccine won't prevent shingles entirely, but can reduce the duration and severity of the condition, as well as decrease the chance of postherpetic neuralgia.

Keeping Comfortable

Patients may not opt to seek medical treatment for shingles if their level of pain isn't severe. There are certain lifestyle adjustments and home remedies that can aid the healing process. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding stressful situations and taking the time to recuperate, as shingles can leave you feeling extremely weak. Cool baths or compresses can relieve shingles pain and itching, as can certain medications purchased from the drugstore, including pain relievers that contain ibuprofen or naproxen, Calamine lotion and oral antihistamines.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Shingles
• NIAID: Shingles

Resources

• NIH: Shingles