The skin disease shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The disease causes a painful and itchy skin rash that leads to blisters, which develop a crust and then break off. The rash typically occurs around the spine, chest, back and sometimes on the face. While a cure does not exist for shingles, some medications and home treatments may help reduce your pain.
Initial Pain Relief and Treatment
When your doctor diagnoses you with shingles, she will most likely prescribe antiviral medications such as famciclovir or acyclovir to reduce the duration of the outbreak. The antiviral regiment will reduce not only the length but also the intensity of the painful outbreak. The sooner you start on the medications, the better chance you have of preventing complications, which are common and can be much more painful than the initial shingles outbreak. Most doctors recommend starting treatment within three days of the initial outbreak to lower the chance of suffering other conditions.
After the Antiviral Medications
While the antiviral medications are meant to decrease the duration of the outbreak and prevent future painful complications, you can take some medications, both prescribed by a doctor and over-the-counter, that will reduce your pain and discomfort during the shingles outbreak. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen, effectively reduce the pain caused by a shingles outbreak. In addition, your doctor may recommend antidepressants or topical creams that you apply directly to the infected area to help combat your pain, or she may write you a prescription for antibiotic creams.
At Home Treatment
A few at home remedies and practices may help ease your pain during a breakout. Try to refrain from scratching and picking at the scabs, so your skin may heal more rapidly. The blisters will develop a crust and fall off on their own, which will lead to a shortened outbreak. If your shingles are itchy or painful, apply pressure to the area for a few minutes with a cloth soaked in cold water. Repeat this process if it succeeds in lessening your discomfort. Afterward, you can apply a lotion - preferably a calamine lotion - to the area to reduce irritation. Finally, try easing your pain by soaking the infected area in water.
Pain Relief for Complications from Shingles
While shingles are quite painful on their own, poor treatment or other complications from the disease will lead to even more painful skin conditions. If you still have pain a month after the rash heals, it is a sign of complications. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia, which lasts months or even years after your shingles outbreak. If this is the case, your doctor will prescribe a medication such as anticonvulsants, opids or antidepressants to treat the pain. You may have continued sight or hearing complications from shingles, which will require medical attention.
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