Treatments For Shingles

There are several treatments for shingles. Over-the-counter analgesics can relieve pain, and stronger opioids may be prescribed. Diphenhydramine is also an effective treatment for localized itching. Corticosteroid medication is used only in rare cases of complicated shingles and is usually used in conjunction with concurrent antiviral therapy. It is not generally recommended for uncomplicated shingles. Vaccines are also available for shingles.

Complications of shingles

The most common complication of shingles is an itchy and burning rash that can be a nuisance for people suffering from this skin condition. Shingles occur in clusters, which often merge into one large blister. Lesions on the surface or deeper parts of the eye may result in vision impairment, and blindness is possible. In rare cases, the disease can affect internal organs. If left untreated, bacterial skin infections can become serious.

Treatments

There are several treatments for shingles. The shingles vaccine is effective, but you should see a doctor if you develop the symptoms. The vaccine is ineffective for people who have received the chickenpox vaccine and cannot prevent shingles. Even immune-compromised people may get the disease if they do not have the proper protection. There are also some conventional treatments for shingles, including antiviral medications to treat the outbreaks and symptoms of HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent shingles is to be vaccinated. Several different vaccines are available, including recombinant herpes zoster and a live virus vaccine. However, the two main types are not equally effective. The best vaccine for shingles is Shingrix, which requires two doses to protect against shingles. Despite this, both types of vaccines have some drawbacks.

Vaccines

Shingle vaccines prevent the rash that can lead to a serious disease called PHN. Symptoms of shingles around the eyes may include corneal ulcers, glaucoma, or retinal necrosis, which can lead to partial or total vision loss. In addition, the shingles virus can spread to internal organs, causing severe inflammation and loss of memory and motor function. The virus can cause severe illness, including epilepsy and death in extreme cases.

Treatments at home

If the rash is close to the eye, it can result in permanent eye damage or blindness. If the blisters spread to the brain, they may lead to encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. To prevent this, patients should take topical creams to soothe the area and help prevent infections. While there are many treatments for shingles at home, these should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.