1. Taking Antirviral Medication
Even though the throat is an unusual location for shingles, there are cases where this infection manifests in the throat causing a rash that is sensitive to touch and often tingles or itches. Also known as herpes zoster, the Center for Disease Control estimates that 600,000 to 1 million cases of shingles are reported each year in the United States. It is caused by the chickenpox virus or the varicella virus. One in 10 people who have ever had chicken pox will get shingles.
Treatment for throat shingles follows a similar course for shingles that manifest in the more common areas of the body like the trunk, arms or legs. One of the most widely-prescribed treatments for shingles is taking a course of an antiviral medication like acyclovir (Zovirax) or valacyclovir (Valtrex). These medications must be prescribed by a doctor after diagnosis and are most effective when they are taken within 72 hours of symptom onset.
2. Lifestyle Therapies
There is limited research on how employing certain lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms of a throat shingles outbreak or reduce recurrence, but many people at risk for shingles ascribe to some of the actions.
Relaxing and avoiding stressful situations as much as possible may help to improve symptoms. Since stress taxes the nervous system, and shingles is a virus that resides in the nerves, applying measures like deep breathing, imagery and meditation may help to keep the immune system strong.
There is some research to suggest that avoiding certain foods may also help to thwart an infection or reduce the symptoms of a shingles outbreak. Consuming foods that contain lysine or taking lysine in a supplement form is often encouraged for those at risk for shingles. Lysine is considered to reduce the virus's ability to replicate. Beef, pork, tofu and eggs all contain lysine.
Foods that contain the amino acid arginine should be avoided. Arginine is known to counteract the protective benefits of lysine. Foods that contain arginine are peanuts, chocolate, walnuts, brazil nuts, seafood, oats and wheat.
3. Get Vaccinated
In 2006, a shingles vaccine was approved for individuals age 60 or older since they are more likely to have a shingles outbreak. The shingles vaccine is able to prevent an infection in about half of those individuals. The vaccine was able to reduce the pain associated with shingles.
If you feel that you are a candidate for the vaccine, speak with your medical doctor about getting vaccinated.
