Shingles Treatment Tips

Shingles also known as herpes zostrer. Shingles is aattack. Topical creams containing capsaicin may
same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles canprovide some relief from pain. Cover shingles lesions
cause several problems with the eye and surroundingwith a clean cloth or loose-fitting gauze after cleansing.
skin that may have long term effects. Inflammation andAvoid contact with the skin lesions of persons with
scarring of the cornea, along with conjunctivitisknown herpes zoster infection. Cool wet compresses
(inflammation of the conjunctiva) and iritis (inflammationcan be used to reduce pain. Soothing baths and lotions,
of the iris) are typical problems. Shingles manifests assuch 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 bydiscomfort. 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 ifclothing over the rash because this could irritate the
reactivation occurs along the ophthalmic division of therash. Avoid exposure to warm and hot water
trigeminal nerve. A pproximately 95% of adults in thebecause this could lead to further itching.
United States have antibodies to the varicella-zosterShingles Treatment and Prevention Tips
virus. Approximately 80% of cases occur in persons1. Antidepressant medicines, such as a tricyclic
older than 20 years. Shingles may be associated withantidepressant.
a secondary bacterial infection (typically streptococcal2. Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine patches, to
or staphylococcal) of the vesicular rash. Shingles maynumb the area.
be complicated by a condition known as post-herpetic3. Anticonvulsant medicines, such as gabapentin or
neuralgia. Shingles causes a wide range of problemspregabalin.
affecting the skin and the eye. Shingles involving the4. Calamine lotion may help to soothe the rash.
second branch of the trigeminal nerve may be5. Capsaicin is also growing in popularity as a pain
associated with conjunctivitis, keratitis, cornealtreatment
ulceration, iridocyclitis, glaucoma, and blindness. Shingles6. Apply cool compresses over the zoster lesions or
is treated with anti-viral, pain and anti-inflammatorytake a cool bath twice a day.
medications. Eye drops and ointments may be7. Avoid exposure to warm and hot water because
prescribed to treat ocular problems. Cimetidine, athis could lead to further itching.
common component of over-the-counter heartburn8. Cover shingles lesions with a clean cloth or
medication. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, mayloose-fitting gauze after cleansing.
occasionally be used to reduce inflammation and risk9. Trim fingernails to reduce the chance of bacterial
of post-herpetic neuralgia.infection from scratching.
Treatment with famciclovir (Famvir) may significantly10. Avoid wearing tight clothing over the rash because
reduce pain and hasten recovery from an acutethis could irritate the rash.