Progression of Shingles
Shingles is the result of a viral infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of shingles is the same virus that causes chicken pox--varicella-zoster. If you've ever had chicken pox, the virus can remain dormant in your nerves for many years before possibly reappearing as shingles. Shingles can cause painful blisters and rashes on the body. Complications from shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia, a condition that can cause the skin to become painful to the touch for months to years. There are various treatments that can help to alleviate pain from shingles.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications are administered to help shorten the duration of a shingles outbreak. Drugs will be administered to reduce any chances of complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, drugs such as Zovirax, Valtrex or Famvir may be given. In order for antiviral medications to work effectively, they must be taken within 72 hours of initial signs of a shingle outbreak.
Nerve Blockers
The pain of shingles can be severely excruciating. As a result, your doctor may use anesthetic drugs, steroids or a combination of both in order to resolve your pain. The steroids or anesthetics can be directly injected into the spinal column or peripheral nerves. This can result in immediate pain relief.
Skin Treatments
According to the Mayo Clinic, Capsaicin can be an effective form of shingles treatment. Capsaicin can be administered in a topical ointment. Capsaicin is a chemical derived from chili peppers and has become a use for many medical treatments. Capsaicin provides relief that is only temporary. For pain that is chronic and severe, pain medications such as opioids may be prescribed by your doctor.
Lidoderm
Lidoderm is a patch that was approved by the FDA in 1999. According to AIDS Info Net, Lidoderm offers pain relief in some people who are afflicted with shingles. The use of Lidoderm may be more desirable, as it does not have as many side effects as some medications do.
Other Treatments
Other medications that are used for treatments such as epilepsy and depression are sometimes used as a form of treatment for shingles. Such drugs include nortriptyline and pregabalin. Nortriptyline is used as an antidepressant, and pregabalin is an epilepsy medication. Both drugs have been used as an effective form of pain treatment for shingles.
Prevention
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is important for children between the ages of 12 months to 18 months to receive the varicella virus vaccine. If you've never had chickenpox before, this vaccine is important for you as well. Getting a vaccination can help lessen your chances of getting shingles or any complications that may result from the virus. A vaccine known as Zostavax can help prevent shingles and complications in older adults (60 and above) who have already been exposed to chickenpox.
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