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There is no cure for shingles, but treatment may shorten the length of illness and prevent complications. Treatment options include:
- Antiviral medicines to reduce the pain and duration of shingles.
- Pain medicines, antidepressants, and topical creams to relieve long-term pain.
antibiotic treatment
Shingles is caused by a virus called Herpes zoster, sometimes years after having chicken pox; no one knows what causes the virus to re-activate but is often preceded by stressful situations or a weakened immune system.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines (Benadryl) and topical numbing creams (Lidocaine cream), "Nupercaine or Benadryl jell can relieve the itching and pain.
Cold tap water compresses can be applied to sooth the blisters and prevent infection. Once the blisters have opened using mild soap and water and petroleum jelly will prevent the skin from becoming too dry or inflamed.
Some doctors now prescribe antiviral medications; acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir). If started as soon as the flair up starts, they can decrease the pain and duration of the outbreak. Corticosteroids are used to decrease inflammation.
A severe outbreak may need to be treated with pain medication if OTC Tylenol or ibuprofen is not helpful see your doctor.
The weeping blisters contain the virus and is contagious to individuals who are susceptible to the chickenpox virus, so skin to skin contact with anyone who could catch the chicken pox, including new born babies, needs to be avoided.
The following are treatments other sufferers have tried, please check with your physician before using a home remedy: Acupuncture, Brookskin liniment, soaking in a bath of Epsom salts, fresh juices from an aloe plant can be applied as often as needed, Calamine lotion, Destine (diaper rash cream, Butt paste (diaper rash cream) bathing in or a paste made from Oatmeal bath to be soothing.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThere is a treatment for shingles, but unfortunately, it is not a cure. Antiviral drugs can be a good treatment for Shingles. Simply reducing pain through alleviation is a standard treatment as well.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoYes. It does helps. Earlier you start the treatment, better is the outcome.
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Does gold bond medicated powder help shingles?
You can use Gold Bond on shingles to help relieve the itch. It is not to be considered a treatment for shingles though.
What do you do if shingles reoccur a week after treatment?
If you have shingles that recur only a week after treatment, you should seek further treatment. This very painful condition will eventually go away on its own, but treatment can help to shorten the length of time you must put up with the pain.
What is a known treatment for shingles?
Shingles is like a rash but with big blisters caused by the chickenpox virus. It is very painful and contagious so if someone has it they need to be quarantined. There isn't a cure for shingles, but known treatment is taking antiviral, pain and antibiotic medication.
Once the treatment of Shingles is completed, can it return in later life?
Yes even after shingles have been treated it can return later on in life.
Should a doctor be able to give information on treatment for shingles?
Yes. A doctor is needed to correctly diagnose shingles and help discuss a treatment plan. See a doctor as soon as possible because complications can arise.
Where can I find the treatment for shingles?
See your doctor and he/she can prescribe you medication to treat the shingles. Typically, a hydrocortisone cream and antibiotic would be provided to deal with the itch and rashes.
Does shingles always have open weeping lesions?
Not at all, but it can. Early disgnosis and treatment can prevent serious sores.
What are the symptoms and treatments of shingles?
The symptoms of shingles are very closely linked to those of chicken pox. Red itchy burning sensations. The inability to normal daily tasks such as walking and getting dressed. There is no treatment for shingles although there is a new vaccine for people over 65.
Is there a treatment for post shingles nerve pain?
Generally a doctor will have to diagnose you with shingles, and then he will start you a treatment with antiviral medicines. However, over-the-counter medicines can help, such as aspirin or ibuprofen for the pain.
What are the treatment options available for Shingles?
The treatment for shingles is usually dependent on how severe the case actually is. For minor cases, the doctor usually will just prescribe some antibiotics and some pain medication. For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe stronger medicines, such as steroids, to help relieve the outbreak.
What kind of treatment is used for shingles?
Herpes zooster is the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles. There is a vaccine out there to help prevent both chicken pox and shingles. If you were not vaccinated for herpes zooster, then you should talk to your doctor if you're concerned about contracting it.
Can shingles cause stomach aches?
Yes shingles can cause stomach aches. The virus can also cause pain, rash, fever, headache, chills, and a deep burning feeling. If you experience these symptoms you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
