How to Treat Pain From Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster, more commonly known as "shingles," can afflict anyone who's been infected with the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chicken pox. The virus retreats to certain ganglia and lies dormant for years until it reactivates. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that herpes zoster typically affects those over the age of 50, or who have suppressed immune systems caused by HIV/AIDS, certain cancers or use of certain medications. The watery blisters that erupt--usually on one side of the body--as a result of herpes zoster, cause many patients excruciating discomfort. Well after lesions heal, some patients experience a medical condition called postherpetic neuralgia, in which the nerves in the skin continue to send pain signals to the brain.
The Mayo Clinic indicates that a single episode of shingles typically lasts a few weeks and resolves on its own. Postherpetic neuralgia can persist for months, but it can also last a lifetime, notes the AAFP. Depending on your level of pain and the severity of the herpes zoster outbreak, prescription medication can reduce pain, help lesions heal more quickly and reduce risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
Things You'll Need
- Oral antiviral medications (if prescribed)
- Oral corticosteroids (if prescribed)
- Oral narcotics (if prescribed)
- Oral tricyclic antidepressants (if prescribed)
- Oral anticonvulsants (if prescribed)
- Numbing/anti-itch creams
- Oral antihistamines (over-the-counter)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Wet, cool compress
Instructions
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Treating Shingles Pain
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If pain from herpes zoster is severe, ask your doctor if oral antiviral medications are appropriate. Most commonly prescribed medications are acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. The AAFP notes that these medications, which reduce the severity of symptoms and hasten the healing process, work best if taken in the first three days after the shingles rash erupts. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral corticosteroid such as prednisone to reduce herpes zoster pain, as well as the chances of nerve damage that may lead to postherpetic neuralgia.
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Consult your physician about pain management. The AAFP notes that over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Motrin, may be helpful. The Mayo Clinic mentions that taking oral antihistamines may also reduce itching associated with the rash. But patients who experience severe shingles pain may be prescribed a narcotic pain medication.
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Ask your doctor about topical numbing or anti-itch creams and lotions that can be applied to the rash. The AAFP notes that medicated lotions such as Benadryl or Caladryl may help with pain and itching. Your doctor may also recommend (or prescribe) a numbing agent (such as lidocaine) in either a cream, gel, spray, or patch form.
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Take it easy at home. The Mayo Clinic advises those with herpes zoster to get ample amounts of rest and avoid stress and strenuous physical activity. Cool baths or the application of cool, damp compresses on the shingles rash may help reduce discomfort.
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Report to your doctor if you experience postherpetic neuralgia.There are several methods of addressing the condition. The AAFP notes that postherpetic neuralgia may be addressed by using over-the-counter pain medications and capsaicin cream. If this fails to reduce pain, your physician may prescribe a lidocaine patch or suggest use of prescription oral tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
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Tips & Warnings
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a herpes zoster vaccination for those aged 60 and over who have never had an outbreak before. The immunization purportedly reduces the likelihood of getting shingles by more than 50 percent.
If herpes zoster occurs around the eyes or on the face, seek treatment from your doctor immediately--this can cause vision loss, hearing problems, facial paralysis and swelling of the brain (encephalitis).
