Shingles Treatment

If you intend to get medical attention for your shingles, do it immediately. Antiviral medication is effective only if given early.

For self-care, the first thing to remember is not to scratch the shingles rash. Scratching can increase your risk of bacterial infection and scarring. Second, pain medications can help for the nerve pain especially an anti-inflammatory. Apply cool compresses to weeping blister for 20 minutes several times a day to dry out the blisters. The compresses also decrease the risk of secondary infection. Stop the compresses as soon as the blisters dry. You don’t want to dry out the surrounding skin.

Keep the shingles outbreak area clean with mild soap and water. Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has not had chicken pox as you may infect them. Also, avoid people who are sick, have a weakened immune system or who are taking immunosuppressants.

Medications typically prescribed for shingles include pain-killers such as acetaminophen ibuprofen. Since shingles is a reactivated virus, anti-virals such as Zovirax, Valtrex and Famvir are often prescribed. Topical corticosteroids can also be prescribed to calm the inflammation of the skin caused by shingles.

Always follow medication directions and consult your doctor if you medications don’t seem to be working.

This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For more information or a diagnoses, please contact your health care professional.