Shingles and chicken pox are caused by the same varicella zoster virus. The resulting presentation of sores depends heavily on the age of the infected person. Shingles are more common in people between 60 and 80 years of age, while chicken pox is more common in children and adults up to middle age. The virus can activate more than once in a lifetime, making knowledge of the medications available useful at any age.
Pain Medications
Both shingles and chicken pox can be extremely painful. Safe pain medications for chicken pox and shingles can target different pain symptoms. Some are topical creams or gels designed to stop the painful itching and burning of the virus, while others are taken internally to dull the nerve sensations.
Lidocaine is one of the most popular topical agents. For internal use, patients can take ibuprofen, oxycodone, amitriptyline or gabapentin. However, using aspirin to dull the pain in children or adults has been linked to Reye's Syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dosages should be adjusted for children, and areas that have been scratched and become infected may be treated with antibiotics also.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications can lessen the severity and duration of both chicken pox and shingles. However, some of the available medications should not be used to treat children. Intravenous immunoglobulin and Zovirax are the safest antivirals for children, according to the Mayo Clinic.
For adults with chicken pox or shingles, there are a number of available antiviral medications which work best when taken within 24 to 72 hours of the first appearance of the rashes, according to Drugs.com. The most common antiviral choices offered are Zovirax, Valtrex, and Famvir, according to the Mayo Clinic and Shingles.com.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are available for both chicken pox and shingles. The vaccinations can be given as a preventative medication before the first incidence of varicella zoster. The Mayo Clinic also claims a vaccination can be used as a means of lessening symptoms in the event of a recurrence once the first incident is over.
Home Treatments and Alternative Therapies
Along with formal prescription medications, there are a number of home medicinal solutions for the pain associated with shingles and chicken pox. The most common, according to Kids Health and the Mayo Clinic, include oatmeal baths, enforcement of bland and non-acidic diets, applications of over-the-counter anti-itch creams and reduction of stress factors to calm nerves.
