Shingles Disease: Who Might Get It

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles Disease: Who Might Get It

Article by Chris Cornell







The shingles disease is a medical condition where blisters develop on skin and are painful. It is also known as Herpes Zoster as it is caused by a virus called Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. If a person has had chickenpox during their childhood, they would have the highest risk to develop shingles, as the virus remains in the body despite recovery from its symptoms. Thus, shingles can also be considered as a chickenpox that revisits, usually under certain conditions, such as feeling stressed, or damaged immune system. It is much more painful than chickenpox, as the pain still persists despite recovering from the blisters.

There are several shingles disease symptoms. A patient may have fever for four to five days and experience persistent headaches, feel sudden chills, feel physically fatigued, have problems with the digestive system, feel itchy at the areas where the rash is starting to develop at or will develop onto, and small painful blisters develop on their skin that looks like a band. Of the shingles disease symptoms, the blister that lines from the spine to the chest is most distinctive, helping them with the diagnosis.

The groups of people at risk are those who have recovered from chicken pox, the elderly, patients diseases that damage the immune system like AIDS and cancer, and patients undergoing extensive medication which includes immunosuppressive drugs. Nevertheless, it is contagious through direct contact of the open wounds, rash, or blister of a shingles patient with a person whom has never had chickenpox before. The most contagious stage of the disease is when the blisters are filled with clear liquid, and its crusts have not developed. However, a person cannot develop the disease through informal contact with a patient with shingles, such as when the patient sneezes or coughs while the healthy person is within the vicinity.



About the Author

Chris is the writer of this article , you can visit us for more information on shingles disease symptoms and shingles symptoms. Visit to read more detail.

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Shingles Natural Remedies that are Simple and Effective

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles Natural Remedies that are Simple and Effective

Article by Dr Andrew Napier







Having diseases like shingles, is a burden to a person who is physically working in fulltime. Health is being suppressed making the active body to slow down to its weakest potential. Shingles known as the Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that also causes chickenpox. This virus becomes dormant in your nerve tissue once you already have a chicken pox and it can be reactivated as shingles years afterwards. It can happen at any age but it is more common among adults ages 60 to 80, who usually happen to have a weakened immune system.

Some are not aware of the rightful remedies on how to get rid of it in a natural way. Although shingles natural remedies are promoted, it is still more important to consult your doctor. You can do to lessen the risk of complications. One of the reasons why it is important is that if rashes appear near the eye, it can cause temporary or permanent loss of vision. That is really upsetting if you missed to know how to prevent this kind of disease infection. You are lucky if you are aware of what remedies you should choose. Here are some of the shingles natural remedies that you can apply –

1. Capsaicin Cream – You may not have heard of capsaicin (cap-SAY-sin) before, but if you have ever eaten a chili pepper and felt your mouth burn, you know exactly what capsaicin does. This is the active ingredient in chili peppers and is sometimes used for post herpetic neuralgia. When it is applied to the skin, capsaicin has been found to deplete substance P-A Neurochemical that transmits pain-resulting in an analgesic effect. A typical dosage is 0.025% capsaicin cream applied two to four times a day. If possible, wear disposable gloves before applying the cream. Be careful not to touch the area around the eye or any areas of broken or sensitive skin. This shingles natural remedy is also called capsicum cream. It is easily available in health food stores.

2. Tai Chi – Preliminary evidence suggested that this natural remedy may improve immune function and health in older adults at risk for shingles.

3. Proteolytic Enzymes – These enzymes are produced naturally by the pancreas to help digest protein we eat. Most of these enzymes are found in certain foods, such as pineapple and papaya. Supplements derived from papaya, pineapple and from animal pancreas can be found in some grocery and drugs stores and in health food stores.

When preparing for the shingles natural remedies, be sure that the affected area should always kept clean. Take note that applying wet may reduce pain by its cool compress. And be sure to have plenty of rest. So now that you already know the appropriate remedy to be used, worry no more for there is always a cure.

Read useful Home Remedies for Shingles. Find effective Home Remedies for Bad Breath. Also know useful Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening.



About the Author

Dr Andrew Napier

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Shingles Causes Symptoms Information With Treatment

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles Causes Symptoms Information With Treatment

Shingles also known as herpes zoster is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus the same virus that causes chickenpox . After you have chickenpox (usually as a child), the virus that causes it stays in your body in certain nerve cells. Most of the time your immune system keeps the chickenpox virus in these cells. As you get older, or if your immune system gets weak, the chickenpox virus may escape from the nerve cells and cause shingles. In most cases, however, a cause for the reactivation of the virus is never found. The herpes virus that causes shingles and chicken pox is not the same as the herpes virus that causes genital herpes (which can be transmitted) and herpes mouth sores. Shingles is medically termed Herpes zoster. Early signs of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching, usually on one side of the body or face. The pain can be mild to severe. Blisters then form and last from one to 14 days. If shingles appears on your face, it may affect your vision or hearing. The pain of shingles may last for weeks, months or even years after the blisters have healed. Although it is most common in people over age 50, if you have had chickenpox, you are at risk for developing shingles. Shingles is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations, and stress. 

Shingles is another name for a condition called “herpes zoster.” Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a disease that affects an estimated 2 in every 10 people in their lifetime. This year, more than 500,000 people will develop shingles. It is correctly known as herpes zoster. Chickenpox or varicella is the primary infection with the virus, Herpes zoster , also called ‘varicella-zoster’. During this widespread infection, which usually occurs in childhood, virus is seeded to nerve cells in the spinal cord, usually of nerves that supply sensation to the skin. The virus remains in a resting phase in these nerve cells for years before it is reactivated and grows down the nerves to the skin to produce shingles (zoster). This can occur in childhood but is much more common in adults, especially the elderly. Shingles patients are infectious both from virus in the lesions and in some instances the nose and throat.

Causes of Shingles

Varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox, causes shingles. This virus is in the herpes family. After a person has had chickenpox the virus remains in their body, lying dormant or hidden in part of the nervous system. For some reason, often many years later, the virus travels back down one of the nerves to the skin, where it causes a rash in the area of skin supplied by that nerve. It’s not clear what triggers reactivation of the chickenpox virus but it may be linked to changes in the immune system. Ensuring your immune system is not weakened may help to prevent this occurring.

Find common causes and risk factors of Shingles :

Stress.

Injury of the skin where the rash occurs.

A weakened immune system.

Fatigue.

Medicines used after organ transplants also a factor in development of this disease.

Cancer is also the main cause of shingles.

Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

Chills .

Headache.

Fever.

A red rash with fluid-filled blisters that begins a few days after the pain

Upset stomach.

Treatment for Shingles

Shingles is often treated with acyclovir (brand name: Zovirax), famciclovir (brand name: Famvir) or valacyclovir (brand name: Valtrex). Acyclovir is available in a generic form, but the pills must be taken five times a day, whereas valacyclovir and famcyclovir pills are taken three times a day. It is important not to miss any doses and not to stop taking the medication early. Antiviral drugs can reduce by about half the risk of being left with postherpetic neuralgia which is chronic pain that can last for months or years after the shingles rash clears. Doctors recommend starting antiviral drugs at the first sign of the shingles rash, or even if the telltale symptoms indicate that a rash is about to erupt. Even if a patient is not seen by a doctor at the beginning of the illness, it may still be useful to start antiviral medications if new lesions are still forming.

Treatment may include:

Acyclovir has been used for many years as a treatment for shingles. It is effective for people with HIV . Intravenous acyclovir is used to treat serious outbreaks of shingles.

Famciclovir is one of the newest drugs to treat shingles. Famciclovir is actually the pill form of a topical cream called penciclovir

Calamine lotion may help to soothe the rash.

The pain of shingles may be relieved by painkillers such as paracetamol .

Valacyclovir is a “pro-drug” of acyclovir. Unlike acyclovir, valacyclovir needs to be broken down by the body before its active ingredient-acyclovir-can begin controlling the disease.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and skin disorders. She also writes articles on herbal home remedies.

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How to Get Relief From Shingles Pain

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Joe Homps

How to Get Relief From Shingles Pain

Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the chickenpox virus called herpes zoster. Shingles is characterized by clusters of fluid-filled blisters running along nerve paths in the body. The blisters usually itch and may be painful to the touch. The affected nerves are responsible for the pain associated with shingles. Different drugs and medications can provide relief from shingles pain.

Pain Relievers

In general, over-the-counter drugs are sufficient to manage the pain of shingles sufferers. Most people take naproxen and ibuprofen to gain relief from pain. Some older adults, however, may suffer nerve pain so intense as to require strong prescription painkillers. The narcotic oxycodone, a prescription drug, can be used to treat shingles pain.

Anti-viral Medications

Antiviral medications can reduce the intensity and duration of the symptoms of shingles. These antiviral drugs include famciclovir, acyclovir and valacyclovir. They must be used immediately, preferably within 72 hours after symptoms start to appear, in order to control the infection.

Topical Pain Relief

Some people find shingles pain relief with topical medications. The topical anesthetic lidocaine is often effective in controlling pain and can be applied while sores are still active. Capsaicin cream can be applied when the blisters have crusted over. Topical aspirin or triethanolamine salicylate (Aspercreme) may also be used, as well as menthol-containing preparations such as high-strength Flexall.

Home Remedies

Applying a cold compress to the blisters often brings relief from pain. Itching and pain associated with shingles can also be reduced by bathing in a cool tub with oatmeal or baking soda.

Persistent Shingles Pain

Even after the rash has healed, some patients continue to experience chronic pain. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication in shingles sufferers. The painful irritation caused by the herpes zoster virus on the nerves can persist for months or even years. This kind of shingles pain can be extremely severe and debilitating.

The duration and treatment for the acute pain of shingles and the chronic pain of PHN are different. Shingles pain that is experienced at the initial outbreak usually responds well to treatment and is often short-term. In contrast, PHN takes longer to treat and is often incapacitating. It also occurs more frequently in older people.

The pain can be so intense that even clothing or a light touch cannot be tolerated on the affected area. PHN sufferers may lose the ability to perform their daily tasks and this may lead to loss of independence and depression. Oftentimes, many PHN sufferers receive no relief from their pain no matter what medication or therapies they use.

Treatment methods for PHN include topical analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin and opioid analgesics. A combination of different treatment methods is often used as no single therapy is one hundred percent effective. Using one or more of these therapeutic methods along with antivirals during the shingles infection can help prevent or reduce the pain and duration of PHN.

 

Is shingles contagious? Find the best shingles natural treatment by visiting our website today!

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Joe Homps

Donna asks…

I need some tips on how to clean/maintain/treat a cedar shake roof.?

I bought a giant 3 storey house about a year ago and the cedar roof is 17 years old. I live beside a lot of pine trees and so the roof gets TONS of needles that get wedged between the shingles. I live in the Pacific Northwest so yeah, we get a lot of wet weather and now the needles are rotting around and under the shingles. I’d really like tips from someone with experience maintaining and treating cedar shingles. I believe that the shingles will last another 10 years with care, but if I don’t do anything, I’ll likely be forking over $30k in the next 3-5 years.

The thing is that I don’t mind getting up on the roof myself and doing some pressure washing it, but I really don’t want to fall off! Any tips?

admin answers:

Care & Maintenance Brochure is available from industry organization at www.cedarbureau.org

Charles asks…

where can i find out about internal shingles? and how to treat them?

admin answers:

Wow, I empathize. I just got them myself (my whole left leg) and the pain is ridiculous.

The Doctor will prescribe an anti-viral medication and an anti-convulsant (to knock out some of the pain).

If you haven’t been to the Dr, go NOW. If you don’t start the anti-viral soon enough, it may not be effective in reducing the spread of the virus and the duration of your symptoms.

Good luck, and get as much rest as you can, you’ll heal much faster.

James asks…

What causes shingles in dogs?

My minature schnauzer has gotten shingles and is being treated. I want to understand how she got them. Please help!

admin answers:

Shingles is a form of the chicken pox

Sharon asks…

I have shingles and don’t know how to treat it?

I have been diagnosed with having something called shingels which is something to do with chicken pox, I cant afford the medicen because it is over 320 bucks for 2 weeks worth. my fam wont help me and i have no money at all. i want to know if its treteable without medication and if it is what can i do to take care of it? pls help
ok i know i have shingles a doctor told me so i dont need to call n e one and tell them and no i cant cut back on nothing because i dont get money untill the 15th of march so i just need to know if its curable WITHOUT meds!!!

admin answers:

There is no cure for shingles, but treatment may help you get well sooner and prevent other problems. Call your doctor as soon as you think you may have shingles. The sooner you start treatment, the better it works. Treatment may include:

* Antiviral medicines to help you get well sooner and feel less pain.
* Medicines to help long-term pain. These include antidepressants, pain medicines, and skin creams.

Good home care can help you feel better faster. Take care of any skin sores, and keep them clean. Take your medicines as directed. And use over-the-counter pain medicines to relieve pain.

Linda asks…

I think my baby has shingles? He had the chicken pox vaccine just over a month ago is this the cause?

I am seeing the doctor next week. I know it is shingles I have seen it before. How could he have gotten it? He just had his chicken pox vaccine over a month ago and I’m thinking this is why. The rash hasn’t changed just got a little worse it doesn’t seem to be painful. What will the doctor do to treat it?

admin answers:

There are a whole lot of rashes babies can get. It is pretty unlikely that it’s shingles, or the baby would be in such pain that you not be willing to wait a week.

Shingles in children is very rare and a quick check of the literature didn’t turn up a correlation showing the vaccine causes shingles.

It’s not an allergy to vaccine a month later.

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Home Remedies for Shingles

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Joe Homps

Home Remedies for Shingles

Once the blisters burst open they get healed within a week. Light scars are left which will disappear soon. Shingles may not be a deadly disease but it may prove to be dangerous for people suffering from HIV infection or getting cancer treatments, as the immune system is very weak. People who are getting organ transplants are also under threat as doctors suppress the immune system with drugs.

Home Remedies For Shingles

Powder two aspirin tablets and mix it in 2 tbsp of chloroform or alcohol. Apply this paste on the affected area. This will provide good relief.

You can apply wet dressing to soothe the burning sensation

Avoid being in humid areas. Always keep yourself cool.

When blisters get infected, dab them with hydrogen peroxide.

Keep the blisters open and dry. Do not burst the blisters by scratching.

To provide relief, make a solution by mixing 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water. Use a cotton cloth to moisten the affected areas by using the upward movement.

To prevent itching and to reduce pain you can dust colloidal powder.

You can make a solution by mixing aloe vera gel, raw honey and leek juice to be applied on the rash.

You can also sponge the blisters or rashes by use of vitamin E oil, apple cider vinegar, cool goldenseal, mugwort or peppermint tea.

Baking soda and water solution can also be applied as a cold compress.

Apply a mixture of yogurt and zinc oxide along the particular path of the nerve. If it is applied before the outbreak it would help to curb the outburst of blisters.

Avoid food which contain amino acid such as chocolate, cereal grains, nuts and seeds

Eating pear of having its juice in ample amounts is good, as it has a great supply of antiviral caffeic acid.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

For More Article Visit :: http://www.thearticleinsiders.com/

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Shingles Pictures

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Joe Homps

Shingles Pictures

Shingles pictures are commonly used in the identification of the disease itself and also for deciding the kind of treatment for the patient. Shingles is a disease that can vary widely in the way it manifests itself. This is the reason for many people not knowing if they are suffering from shingles or any other kind of disease.

Since Shingles and Chicken pox have same signs, the diagnosis may go wrong. Shingles pictures are also used to reduce the incidence of wrong diagnosis. Even a lay person who does not have a lot of medical knowledge will be able to identify the disease on their own. This is the reason for the shingles pictures to be very useful.

So, the main reason for using the shingles pictures is to identify the disease. Once the disease is diagnosed, treatment can be started early. This will help to overcome the disease as soon as possible. The shingles pictures can be used in the differentiation of the disease from other diseases.

The skin rashes and the blisters that are formed on the skin will vary from one disease to another disease. Blisters are not present close to each other in Chicken pox. A person who is suffering from shingles will have all the blisters on the body to be crowded together. So, this variation needs to be identified and is possible with the use of shingles pictures.

Medical students who would like to learn of the different kinds of manifestation of shingles will also find the shingles pictures to be very useful. Since medical students need to have an in-depth knowledge of the various types of rashes and blisters that can be caused by shingles, the pictures are very useful. It is very rare to find all kinds of shingles patients in the same hospital. Many students will learn when they are able to see various shingles pictures.

The field of medicine is enhanced by research. Research into the types of shingles, their manifestations and various other aspects of the disease can be possible only by studying the different kinds of blisters and rashes that can be formed by the disease. This is possible with the use of the shingles pictures. Research in the treatment of shingles is possible with the use of the shingles pictures. Shingles pictures are very useful in many such aspects for better health care.

Various medical questions are answered by expert Alan Chan. You can also learn more about shingles pictures on his site.

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Treatment and Vaccine for Shingles Virus

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Joe Homps

Treatment and Vaccine for Shingles Virus

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the virus that causes chickenpox. It is characterized by a blistering rash that is usually confined to one side of the body. The shingles virus affects one or more nerves including the skin over them. While there is no cure for shingles, a vaccine can prevent or reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak.

Causes

The varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox is not completely eliminated from the body after the symptoms of the disease disappear. The virus usually resides in the part of the nerve close to the spinal cord. The virus may become active again after lying dormant for decades. When this happens, it travels along the nerve to the skin.

Shingles is likely to develop when the immune system is weakened. Older people are more likely to develop shingles as their immune system becomes less effective. The shingles virus may also become reactivated by certain disorders such as cancer, diabetes, HIV infection, the use of immunosuppressants, radiation therapy, or inadequate nutrition. However, it is often difficult to determine the actual cause of the virus’ reactivation.

Treatment

Shingles rash can be controlled by antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir as long as treatment is started within 3 days of developing the rash. The extent and duration of the rash will be minimized and the pain associated with it will be reduced. Blisters will crust over more quickly and heal faster.

Starting treatment immediately can reduce the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a severe chronic pain along affected nerves. Prompt treatment can also shorten the duration of the symptoms if you do get PHN.

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to manage the pain. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe pregabalin or oxycodone, a narcotic pain medication. Capsaicin cream can also help relieve the pain of shingles. You can also relieve the itching and pain by applying calamine lotion, using a cold compress, or soaking in a tub with oatmeal or cornstarch on the rash.

Shingles Vaccine

A vaccine for the shingles virus became available in 2006. Clinical trials showed that the vaccine. Zostavax, reduced the incidence of shingles in adults aged 60 and over by more than 50%. Those who still got shingles after being vaccinated experienced less pain and discomfort.

The vaccine is recommended for older people who are at least 60 years old. Those who have a life-threatening allergy to gelatin or have a weakened immune system should not get the shingles virus vaccine. Likewise, pregnant women or women who might be pregnant should not get the shingles vaccine.

 

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Home Remedies for Shingles

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Joe Homps

Home Remedies for Shingles

Article by Hal Woods







Shingles that occurs in adults, otherwise known as herpes zoster, is a relapsing, acute development of the inactivated or dormant virus inside the nerve cell bodies. Shingles can be really bothersome for adults. Although there are no drugs that can totally cure or get rid of the dormant virus, there are drugs and methods that can shorten the duration of the illness and can provide relief from the pain and discomfort experienced by the individual. Along with medical intervention, supplementing the standard treatment regimen for shingles with home remedies can have benefits as well and provide some comfort.

There are many home remedies available to help patients with shingles. These home remedies range from the use of herbal concoctions to the use of other products that are not conventional forms of treatment but still provide added benefits. Natural remedies used for treating shingles, unlike some forms of pharmacologic therapy, can be applied to the skin and are free of side effects and can provide fast and efficient relief.

Mint leaves and nail polish removers provide fast relief from the symptoms of shingles by reducing pain. These treatments can be used for relief of mild to moderate pain. In cases of severe pain, medical intervention is necessary and use of more potent drugs such as opioid analgesics are required to provide comfort.

To make a mint leaves concoction, create a paste using three to four fresh, healthy mint leaves. Crush the leaves until it reaches the consistency of a paste. Apply the fresh mint paste on the affected areas where the rashes appear and cluster together. The mint provides a cooling effect to the surrounding affected areas. Once applied, desired effects can be reached in a matter of seconds to a few minutes. When more pain relief is desired, add more mint paste to the affected areas.

Nail polish remover is also an effective product that can provide fast relief for pain associated with shingles. Most nail polish removers contain a substance called acetone that can instantly cool off the burning skin and removes surrounding dead skin cells, bacteria, sebum and several other substances on the affected skin.

Acetone and mint paste, however, should not be directly applied near the eyes or around their orbit as it counteracts the intended benefits by irritating and providing more pain in the thin covering of the eye and the surrounding immediate area. Another simple solution to provide relief from shingles is the use of ice. An icepack may be applied on the affected areas for short periods as needed.

Aside from the mentioned home remedies for shingles, there are several important measures that should be kept in mind to provide further relief. Foods that contain high levels of salt, such as chips, canned foods, delicatessen meats, pre-packaged and preserved foods, should be avoided as this may further aggravate the condition. Consume significantly higher than usual servings of fruits which have a high water content.

During the course of the disease, it is important to take decent bed rest since shingles is re-activated in times of fatigue and too much stress. If the patient experiences fever along with other manifestations, the person should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, mostly water. Eat frequent, small amounts of nutritious, well-balanced meals at least six times every day. These simple measures should be followed to help regain energy from the general body weakness caused by the disease. These measures will also help strengthen the immune system that is primarily responsible for suppressing the development of herpes zoster or shingles.

Overall, home remedies for shingles are effective measures and are safe to use. It should be kept in mind, however, that although use of home remedies is a safe measure; it is of primary importance to seek close medical supervision. Home remedies should only be used along with other therapies and drugs provided by your primary physician.

Always remember to seek the advice of your physician whenever an episode of shingles develops, especially in cases when the rashes develop around the eyes or on the ears as these rashes may result into serious complications. As of now, studies don’t have solutions to totally eradicate shingles, but patients don’t typically have to be too concerned by it.



About the Author

Hal has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. He also writes about diet & nutrition. Come visit his latest website on using butterbur for migraines which gives people information on butterbur for migraines treatment

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How to Get Shingles Pain Relief

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Joe Homps

How to Get Shingles Pain Relief

Article by Barb Hicks







Chickenpox is a common childhood disease caused by the virus known as varicella zoster. After all symptoms of chickenpox disappear, the chickenpox virus may lie dormant in the part of the nerves next to the spinal cord. The virus can lie inactive for decades but it may become reactivated when a person’s immunity is weakened. This results in a painful shingles outbreak. An important part of the treatment involves getting pain relief from shingles.

The varicella zoster virus usually lies inactive for many years but may become active again when a person’s immune system is lowered. This often happens due to stress or illness. The virus multiplies and travels along the nerves to the skin. The result is a painful infection of the nerves called shingles. The area of skin associated with the affected nerves can also become infected and develop a rash.

The first symptom of shingles is pain in the affected area of the body. This is the result of damage and swelling of the nerves caused by the virus. When the virus reaches the skin, shingles rash develops on the skin. Shingles is usually confined to only one side of the body.

Pain relief from shingles may come from a combination of different methods. For mild pain, over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen may bring relief. A Lidoderm patch that contains the pain medication lidocaine may also provide fast relief. For more severe pain, steroids such as prednisone, opioid medication and tricyclic antidepressants can provide temporary pain relief for shingles.

Home remedies can also bring relief from shingles pain. A towel or washcloth dipped in cold water can be applied to the blisters to ease the discomfort. A starch bath will also help relieve the pain. Add a handful of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal to a tub of water and soak in it. This is an effective way to relieve pain for a shingles outbreak below the neck.

To soothe the pain and itching of shingles, an ice pack can be placed on the affected area. This will ease the itching and burning sensation. Washing the rash gently with a wet cloth and soap will also help dry the blisters. After washing and drying the blisters, apply calamine lotion on the shingles rash to provide pain relief.

These medications and treatments can be prescribed by your doctor to ensure shingles pain relief. The pain may last for months or even years in some people. In managing chronic shingles pain, you should never overuse pain killers to relieve the pain as this will cause more damage than benefit in the long run.



About the Author

Is shingles contagious? Find out the answer to this question and learn more about the different types of treatment for shingles by visiting our website today!

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