Shingles Symptoms

The shingles infection has no cure. However, there are treatments available that can help alleviate the symptoms.

Rash Treatment

When a rash develops due to shingles, the following can be done to treat the blisters:

1. Make sure that the rash is kept dry and clean at all times as this will limit the amount of bacteria that can infect the rash.
2. Wear clothing that is looser than normal.
3. Do not use plasters or antibiotics on top of the blisters as this can actually cause the healing process to become hampered.
4. If a type of dressing is needed on the blisters, a non-adherent dressing should be used so that the blisters are allowed to breathe and heal.

In order to relieve any itching associated with the shingles rash, calamine location can be used to cool and soothe the skin. Some patients also find that antihistamines are useful in preventing the itching of the rash area. However, an antihistamine should not be used until the patient consults a physician or pharmacist.

 

Treatment for Pain

In order to treat pain that is often associated with shingles, it is common for the physician to prescribe an analgesic in order to alleviate discomfort. The most common medicines to be used in the treatment of pain are:

1. Antidepressants
2. Opioids
3. Anticonvulsants
4. Paracetamol
5. NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

In the case of children who are suffering from shingles, it is likely that a paediatrician will be consulted if the NSAIDS and paracetamol are not successful in alleviating pain.

Antidepressants

If the patient is experiencing intense pain, the physician may prescribe a form of antidepressant that is commonly used for depression but can also be used to treat shingles-related pain. They have been found to be highly useful in the treatment of continuous severe pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, which are used in the treatment of shingles pain, alter the chemical levels within the body. The tricyclic antidepressants that are most often prescribed are: nortriptyline, imipramine, and amitriptyline.

Although serious side effects are uncommon, tricyclic antidepressants may cause problems with urination, constipation, blurry vision, weight gain, fatigue, and dry mouth.

The dosage of tricyclic antidepressants for those who are diagnosed with shingles is typically significantly less than the dosage prescribed to individuals with depression. One tablet per day is usually sufficient although the dosage may be increased until the pain becomes manageable. Antidepressants may take as long as a few weeks to begin working. However, this will not necessarily be the case.

Opioids

In cases where the pain becomes quite severe, the physician may choose to prescribe codeine or another form of weaker opioid. Codeine is often prescribed in combination with other medications such as paracetamol. In rare cases, a stronger medication may be prescribed such as morphine.

Anticonvulsants

As is the case with antidepressant medications, anticonvulsants are typically used in the treatment of other conditions such as seizures due to conditions like epilepsy. Regardless, anticonvulsants have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of pain in the nerves. They stabilize the electrical activity within the brain.

The anticonvulsant that is usually prescribed for nerve pain due to shingles is gabapentin. This medication may have the following side effects:

1. Dizziness
2. Diarrhea
3. Headache
4. Swelling of the ankles
5. Dry mouth

As is the case with antidepressants, it may be necessary for the patient to take the medication for a few weeks before the drug becomes effective. The dosage will usually start relatively low but may increase if the symptoms are not alleviated by a lower dose.

Paracetamol

One of the most common medications that physicians recommend for shingles pain is paracetamol which is conveniently available over-the-counter and therefore does not require a prescription from a doctor.

NSAIDS or Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDS, the acronym for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a form of painkilling medication that are over-the-counter. Although NSAIDS are commonly used by those who are experiencing pain, they are not necessarily the right choice. These drugs should be avoided if the patient:

1. Has problems with either their kidney or stomach, such as peptic ulcers
2. Has previously experienced kidney or stomach issues
3. Has problems with liver function
4. Are either nursing or are pregnant
5. Are asthmatic

Anyone who is considering using NSAIDS to treat pain accompanied by shingles should consult with either their pharmacist or physician to ensure that they are making the correct shingles treatment choice.

 

Antiviral Drugs

In addition to controlling the pain through painkillers, some physicians will prescribe their patients with an antiviral medication. Although antiviral drugs are not able to eliminate the infection, they have been shown to keep the infection from spreading. The medication has been shown to keep the infection to a minimum, reduce the length of time that the shingles lasts, as well as prevent the occurrence of complications including postherpetic neuralgia.

The sooner the antiviral medications are started, the more effective they have been shown to be. Although they are most useful if taken within 72 hours of the onset of the rash, they may be taken as long as a week after the appearance of the rash. This will hopefully reduce the likelihood of the infection becoming severe and complications developing.

Several antiviral medications may be prescribed with famciclovir, valavivlovir, and acyclovir being the most common. The physician or specialist will typically prescribe the antiviral for a period of a week.

Antiviral Medicines and Pregnancy

If a patient develops shingles during pregnancy, the physician will most likely send the individual to a specialist or discuss the situation with said specialist so as to ensure that the risks are outweighed by the benefits of taking the antiviral medicine. Unlike chickenpox, shingles does not affect the health of the unborn child. Additionally, patients who are under the age of 50 are less likely to develop shingles complications. Because of this, antiviral medication will most likely not be necessary.

Antiviral Medicines and Children

Fortunately, children typically experience very few symptoms of the infection and have a relatively small risk of complications. Therefore, children do not require antiviral medicines in the majority of cases. If the child is not generally unwell, antivirals will not have much of a benefit so they are often not prescribed.

Read more:

• Shingles Symptoms
• Shingles Causes and Diagnosis
• Shingles Treatment
• Shingles Complications

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