Shingles, also called herpes zoster, causes a painful skin rash that usually clears on its own in a few weeks. A weakened immune system triggers an infection and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends contacting a physician as soon as possible after the shingles rash appears to discuss treatment options.
Anti-viral Medication
Anti-viral medications, when taken within 72 hours of the start of symptoms, shorten the severity and length of the illness. Individuals with a suppressed immune system, including those with cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, HIV, or who receive immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids and drugs given after organ transplantation, benefit the most from anti-viral medication treatment.
Your doctor may also prescribe anti-viral medications for a severe shingles outbreak, especially if your rash affects the eyes.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
To reduce swelling and pain, a doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid along with anti-viral medication. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that corticosteroids help alleviate inflammation and provide relief if a severe infection develops, such as in the eyes.
Pain Medication
Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, help relieve inflammation and pain that the illness causes. Pain medication also helps the pain that occurs if post-herpetic neuralgia or pain that lasts long after the rash clears develops.
Anti-histamines
Over-the-counter oral anti-histamines, such as diphenhydramine as well as topical creams or calamine lotion provide itch-relief and reduce inflammation.
Cool Bath
Taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on the blisters, may provide soothing relief and help relieve the itching and pain.
Relax
The Mayo Clinic suggests relaxation as a remedy for shingles, because stress often triggers an infection by causing a weakened immune system that can also worsen the pain. Relaxation techniques help redirect the mind off the pain.
Effective activities include listening to music, doing yoga, reading a book, watching a movie or working on a non-taxing hobby. However, the infection may cause extreme tiredness and pain, so doing any activity may cause weakness. Avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of rest during the course of the illness.
