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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.
What else can I help you with?
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 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.
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.
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.
Can fexofenadine be used to treat shingles?
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine primarily used to treat allergic symptoms and is not indicated for the treatment of shingles. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, typically requires antiviral medications, pain relievers, and sometimes corticosteroids for effective management. While fexofenadine may help alleviate itching associated with shingles, it does not address the underlying viral infection or its complications. Always consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment options for shingles.
Can mometasone furoate be used on shingles?
Mometasone furoate is a topical corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation and itching, but it is not typically recommended for treating shingles (herpes zoster). Shingles is caused by a viral infection, and antiviral medications are usually the primary treatment. While a doctor may prescribe mometasone to alleviate certain symptoms associated with shingles, it should not be used as a primary treatment for the viral infection itself. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any medication for shingles.
Can silver sulfadiazine treat shingles?
Silver sulfadiazine is primarily used as a topical antibiotic for preventing and treating infections in burn wounds. It is not specifically indicated for treating shingles (herpes zoster), which is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Treatment for shingles typically involves antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, along with pain management. Therefore, silver sulfadiazine is not an appropriate treatment for shingles.
Can a kenalog shot help with shingles?
A Kenalog shot, which contains triamcinolone, is a corticosteroid that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with shingles. However, it is not a primary treatment for the viral infection itself, which is typically managed with antiviral medications. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for shingles based on individual circumstances.
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.
