Shingles: Is There any Treatment?
You treat shingles with an antiviral agent such as Acyclovir,
Valacyclovir or Famciclovir. There is no cure for shingles, but
the antiviral agent will help fight the Herpes
Zoster virus (VZV) that causes shingles.
You may also ease the symptoms of shingles with lukewarm baths,
soothing lotions, pain killers and local anesthetic cream. Wear
loose cotton clothing, no synthetics, and avoid getting hot and
sweaty. Make sure you are properly hydrated.
Antiviral Medication for Shingles Works Best if Started within 72hrs of Symptoms
The antiviral agent will be prescribed by your doctor and is
a tablet to be taken orally. If you suspect that you have shingles,
you should see a doctor as soon as possible as the treatment will
have the best effect if started within 72 hours of the first symptoms
of shingles.
The symptoms of shingles are a rash that turns into blisters
which then turn into a dry scab. This can be seen all over the body
and can be very itchy and painful. It is usually followed by a general
feeling of illness; fever, headaches and tiredness.
Shingles is experienced in 1 in 5 seniors who had chickenpox
in childhood. It is not something you catch, it is a reactivation
of the VZV virus that also caused chickenpox
but remains latent in the body until the possible reactivation and
subsequent shingles outbreak. It is not known why some seniors get
shingles and other don't, and it is not known either why it usually
happens only in the seniors. A low immune defense system does appear to
be a key factor.
The Varicella Vaccine and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Shingles is usually treated (whereas chickenpox is not) because of the risk of
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia which means persistent pain in the affected area.
The antiviral agent will reduce the risk of this as well as reduce the
severity and duration of shingles.
There is a Varicella vaccine which is usually recommended to adults
who didn't have chickenpox in childhood as chickenpox in adulthood can
be very serious. It is also available for children but its not required
unlike other vaccines. It is not yet known if the vaccine will protect
against shingles as well.
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- Herpes Viruses:
Shingles
I found Acyclovir, taken in the very early stages, has halted the development of the rash. It's now 4 weeks since I visited my GP, the pain has gone, the irritation still varies from very mild to annoying, the rash looks 'dead'
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