Shingles is a painful viral infection that occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus from a previous infection reactivates within the body. Instead of causing chickenpox when reactivated, however, the virus causes shingles. The reason for this reactivation is unknown. The infection usually causes an itchy rash as well as headache and fatigue. The rash, if left untreated, will usually turn into painful blisters that can take up to a month to heal. There is no cure for shingles, so shingle sufferers can only deal with the symptoms while the virus plays out in a person's body. Shingles often gets worse before finally going away, so it is important to treat the symptoms and try to contain the shingles so they don't spread or cause permanent scars.
Over the Counter Pain Relievers
The first method of treatment for shingles that are getting worse is to control the pain so that patients won't scratch or touch the shingles and aggravate them. With the pain relieved, patients can symptoms and prevent further damage. Many patients can control their pain with Advil, Ibuprofen, or other over the counter pain relievers.
Prescription
Sometimes, over the counter pain relievers aren't effective enough for more severe cases of shingles. When patients can't effectively manage pain with Advil, Ibuprofen, or other over the counter pain relievers, most doctors will prescribe a prescription pain reliever such as Famvir or Lyrica to relieve pain and help speed healing.
Antiviral Medicine
Antiviral medicine helps relieve pain and speeds the recovery process by fighting shingles at the source of the virus. Doctors will almost always provide shingles sufferers with antiviral medication such as Valtrex or Famvir.
Skin Creams and Lotions
The shingles should be well-cleaned with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, and then skin cream or lotion can be applied to prevent the shingles from continuing to worsen and to prevent long-term scarring. Calamine lotion is effective for controlling itching, while Burow's or Domeboro lotion (available at most grocery stores and pharmacies) can decrease inflammation.
Icing the Area
Immediate relief can be provided by wrapping an ice pack in a cloth and applying it to the area. While some people choose to immerse the rash completely in ice water, the area should be dried thoroughly afterwards to prevent water from remaining in the blisters and aggravating the infection.
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