| Shingles also known as herpes zostrer. Shingles is a | | | | attack. Topical creams containing capsaicin may |
| same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles can | | | | provide some relief from pain. Cover shingles lesions |
| cause several problems with the eye and surrounding | | | | with a clean cloth or loose-fitting gauze after cleansing. |
| skin that may have long term effects. Inflammation and | | | | Avoid contact with the skin lesions of persons with |
| scarring of the cornea, along with conjunctivitis | | | | known herpes zoster infection. Cool wet compresses |
| (inflammation of the conjunctiva) and iritis (inflammation | | | | can be used to reduce pain. Soothing baths and lotions, |
| of the iris) are typical problems. Shingles manifests as | | | | such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or lotions |
| a vesicular rash, usually in a single dermatome. | | | | and calamine lotion, may help to relieve itching and |
| Development of the rash may be preceded by | | | | discomfort. Trim fingernails to reduce the chance of |
| paresthesias or pain along the involved dermatome. | | | | bacterial infection from scratching. Avoid wearing tight |
| Ocular involvement and zoster keratitis may result if | | | | clothing over the rash because this could irritate the |
| reactivation occurs along the ophthalmic division of the | | | | rash. Avoid exposure to warm and hot water |
| trigeminal nerve. A pproximately 95% of adults in the | | | | because this could lead to further itching. |
| United States have antibodies to the varicella-zoster | | | | Shingles Treatment and Prevention Tips |
| virus. Approximately 80% of cases occur in persons | | | | 1. Antidepressant medicines, such as a tricyclic |
| older than 20 years. Shingles may be associated with | | | | antidepressant. |
| a secondary bacterial infection (typically streptococcal | | | | 2. Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine patches, to |
| or staphylococcal) of the vesicular rash. Shingles may | | | | numb the area. |
| be complicated by a condition known as post-herpetic | | | | 3. Anticonvulsant medicines, such as gabapentin or |
| neuralgia. Shingles causes a wide range of problems | | | | pregabalin. |
| affecting the skin and the eye. Shingles involving the | | | | 4. Calamine lotion may help to soothe the rash. |
| second branch of the trigeminal nerve may be | | | | 5. Capsaicin is also growing in popularity as a pain |
| associated with conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal | | | | treatment |
| ulceration, iridocyclitis, glaucoma, and blindness. Shingles | | | | 6. Apply cool compresses over the zoster lesions or |
| is treated with anti-viral, pain and anti-inflammatory | | | | take a cool bath twice a day. |
| medications. Eye drops and ointments may be | | | | 7. Avoid exposure to warm and hot water because |
| prescribed to treat ocular problems. Cimetidine, a | | | | this could lead to further itching. |
| common component of over-the-counter heartburn | | | | 8. Cover shingles lesions with a clean cloth or |
| medication. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may | | | | loose-fitting gauze after cleansing. |
| occasionally be used to reduce inflammation and risk | | | | 9. Trim fingernails to reduce the chance of bacterial |
| of post-herpetic neuralgia. | | | | infection from scratching. |
| Treatment with famciclovir (Famvir) may significantly | | | | 10. Avoid wearing tight clothing over the rash because |
| reduce pain and hasten recovery from an acute | | | | this could irritate the rash. |