Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, presents as a painful rash that can occur on any area of the body. Shingles is caused by the same virus that is responsible for chickenpox. When shingles becomes reactivated in the body, consider treatments that help manage the pain and discomfort of the painful rash.
Antiviral Medications
Although shingles goes away on its own after several weeks, for some patients, the pain and rash continue. This complication is postherpetic neuralgia. Antiviral medications treat shingles to help prevent the occurrence of this condition. No treatment exists that can completely eradicate the occurrence of this painful condition, but antivirals can help reduce the duration of the virus and may prevent postherpetic neuralgia.
Pain Medications
Pain medication usually is necessary in the treatment of shingles. The rash can be painful and some patients experience pain without the presence of the rash. The skin can produce blisters that burst and crust over, causing a burning or stinging sensation along with itching. Doctors prescribe prescription medications for the shingles rash when the pain is severe. Narcotics, such as oxycodone, are one of the classes of medications used for this painful rash.
Tricyclic antidepressants, which typically are used for depression and mood disorders, also may be prescribed for shingles pain. These antidepressants are found to be effective in treating chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and shingles.
The pain from shingles is usually severe, but milder cases can be managed effectively with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and other pain relievers that do not require a prescription.
Ointment
Topical pain relievers also are used to treat shingles pain. Prescription-based lidocaine applied as a gel or cream can numb the area and provide relief from the itching and pain of the blisters. The medication also can be applied as a skin spray directly on the affected area.
Over-the-counter topical medications, such as capsaicin, are used to treat the pain after the rash has healed. Tap water compresses applied to the blisters can help dry them out quicker and begin the healing process. Apply the compresses for 20-minute periods several times each day.
Calamine lotion is also soothing for painful shingles blisters. Be careful of the blisters if they are open and weeping, because shingles is very contagious to those who have not been exposed to the chickenpox virus.
Herbal Ointments
Licorice root is available in a gel ointment that is rubbed onto painful areas and may prevent the spread of the virus. This ointment is available in health food stores.
St. John's Wort oil has pain-relieving properties that may relieve the pain and itch of the shingles rash. The oil works as an anti-inflammatory and may strengthen the nerves affected by the rash. However, the oil may irritate open or broken blisters and should not be applied to the rash if the skin is broken.
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