Shingles is defined as an often very uncomfortable and painful viral infection that leads to a rash. While it is possible for this rash to show up in areas all over the body, most doctors and health experts find that shingles blisters appear in stripes on one side of the torso. Unfortunately, there is no cure for shingles at this time, but there are treatments that can be used to reduce the amount of pain a patient will have to endure, and how long the infection will last.
The options for shingles pain treatment are varied, and often differ according to the seriousness of the disease. For example the most common shingles pain treatment option is an antiviral medication, used to reduce the duration and pain of a standard course of the disease. However, if the problem persists for longer than a year, a doctor may resort to other options to help a patient manage the condition.
Initial Shingles Pain Treatment:
Once you have noticed a rash on your body and your doctor has diagnosed that rash as shingles, the first step will be to start taking an antiviral medication as quickly as possible. It is recommended that these courses of medication take place within three days of seeing the rash, as this will reduce your chances of postherpetic neuralgia at a later date. Some of the antiviral medicines that your doctor may suggest include valacyclovir, famciclovir, and acyclovir. You may also find that it’s helpful to stock up on the recommended amount of over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, to help reduce the presence of pain while the anti-viral medication gets to work.
Another solution that your doctor may suggest is a topical antibiotic, which is a type of cream that you can apply to your skin. This will help to make sure that the blisters do not become infected.
Ongoing Shingles Pain Treatment:
In some unfortunate circumstances, victims of shingles may find that they continue to experience symptoms and pain longer than others. For example, if you are suffering from pain as a result of shingles for longer than a month after the initial rash has disappeared, then this could be a sign that you’re suffering from postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This is one of the most common complications associated with shingles, and it is diagnosed through the symptom of chronic pain that lasts for months to years after a rash has healed. Medicines such as anticonvulsants, opiods and anti-depressants can all be effective in relieving pain for people with PHN.
If you are diagnosed with PHN, your doctor may recommend that you start applying topical anesthetics which contain benzocaine. These substances can be applied directly to the skin for instant relief, and can sometimes be obtained in patch-form if you have a prescription. Similarly, topical creams for the skin that contain capsaicin may offer some relief from pain, but it’s important to be cautious when it comes to using this ingredient. Capsaicin, wich is often associated with chilis, can irritate and burn the skin in some cases, and should not be used without direction from a doctor.
