Shingles is a condition that is caused from a viral infection. It is also called herpes zoster, and causes blisters to break out in the form of a rash that can be seen on the back, chest, neck, face and scalp. This rash can be accompanied with a burning sensation, numbness, itching, fever, chills and headaches. Although shingles can run its course in a few weeks, there are also some medical treatments that can ease discomfort.
Step 1
Reduce the pain. When shingles is contracted, it can be accompanied with pain that can be quite severe. A way to treat this pain is by taking an opioid such as oxycodone.
Step 2
Reduce the inflammation. There is a complication that is sometimes seen with shingles called postherpetic neuralgia. This is pain that lingers on after the shingles has cleared up. To treat this and any inflammation that appears, corticosteroids such as prednisone can be utilized.
Step 3
Eliminate the virus. Within the first 72 hours after shingles appears, an antiviral drug can be taken to help ease the symptoms. Some examples of these are Valtrex, Zovirax and Famvir.
Step 4
Use a skin treatment. There are also some topical methods of treating shingles as well. Topical ointments can be applied that have a pain-relieving substance called "capsaicin " in them. Patches that have lidocaine in them can also be used to soothe the inflamed areas.
