Shingles: How to Stop the Itching?

Posted April 27th, 2004 by jack

Shingles

The shingles rash can be very irritating and painful. There
are a number of things you can do to relieve this, though.

As soon as you discover the first shingles symptoms, you must
see a doctor. The symptoms of shingles are a rash that turns
into blisters which will then turn into a dry scab. This can be
seen all over the body and will usually be followed by general
illness; fever, headaches and tiredness.

Seeing Your Doctor About Shingles is the First Step

Your doctor will be able to prescribe an
antiviral agent. This will typically be Acyclovir, Famciclovir
or Valacyclovir which will reduce the duration and severity of
shingles as well as reduce the risk of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia.
The antiviral agent is not a cure for shingles but it is an
effective treatment if started at the beginning of an outbreak of shingles.

Apart from antiviral treatment, there are several things you
can do to ease the shingles symptoms:

Take lukewarm baths
Use a soothing lotion
Use a local anesthetic cream
Wear loose cotton clothing
Avoid getting hot and sweaty
Take pain killers
Take fever reducing medication

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia is the most serious complication of
shingles. 1 in 5 shingles patients will get it and it can last
months or years and can be very painful. You can't cure it, but
you can reduce the pain and it will eventually go of its own accord.

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Herpes Doctor