Herpes Doctor

No, there is no cure for shingles. Shingles is caused by the virus
Varicella Herpes Zoster. or VZV, which also causes chickenpox. After chickenpox,
VZV will stay in the body permanently. It will be
non-contagious and latent until it reactivates in 1 in 5 seniors causing
shingles. It is not known why Herpes Zoster reactivates in some
and not in others. A key factor does seem to be a low immune defense
system.

Symptoms - Treatment & Preventative Care

The symptoms of shingles are a rash that turns into blisters which
turns into a dry scab. There is a risk of developing Post-Herpetic
Neuralgia which means persistent pain in the affected area. To avoid
this, shingles an antiviral agent such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir or
Valacyclovir is usually prescribed and is a tablet taken orally. It
will also reduce the severity and duration of shingles but it is not
a cure.

Apart from the antiviral agent you may ease the symptoms with lukewarm
baths, soothing creams (containing aloe vera or similar), local
anesthetic creams, fever reducing medicines and pain killers. Wear
loose fitting cotton clothes, no synthetics, avoid getting hot
and sweaty and make sure you are properly hydrated.

So What About the Varicella Vaccine?

There is a Varicella vaccine. It is usually recommended for people
who never had chickenpox in childhood as chickenpox in adults can be
very severe. It is also available for children although it is not
required unlike other vaccines. Basically it is a shot of the virus,
but so little that the body will develop antibodies, just like if you
had chickenpox, but on a much smaller scale and usually without
symptoms. It is not yet known if this vaccine also protects
against shingles.

Related Links

• The Varicella vaccine
• See a doctor if you suspect shingles
• How do you stop shingles itching so much?

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