Shingles Treatment

Doctors treat shingles with medications called antiviral drugs. These medications help to control the virus that causes shingles. There are three antiviral drugs available for treating shingles: acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famcyclovir. You can... Full Answer

Doctors typically treat shingles with medications called antiviral drugs. There are three antiviral drugs available for treating shingles: acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famcyclovir. These medications can cut in half your risk for developing... Full Answer

Your doctor may suggest that you treat the symptoms of shingles by placing wet compresses on the blistered skin and taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your doctor can also prescribe antiviral medications,... Full Answer

Shingles is a virus that causes pain, itching, skin blisters, and other unpleasant symptoms. If you suspect that you have shingles, see your doctor right away. It's best to receive medication within three days of the first appearance of a... Full Answer

Scientists are studying several critical aspects of shingles in hopes of helping to prevent the disease and manage its symptoms. One mystery researchers hope to solve is understanding the behavior of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes... Full Answer

If you develop herpes zoster oticus and have mild symptoms, your doctor may determine that you don't require any treatment. However, medications are available to treat more severe symptoms. Your doctor will probably instruct you to take drugs... Full Answer

Topical lidocaine is an effective form of pain control for shingles and can be used either alone or in combination with oral agents which also help control pain. Full Answer

There are some good medications that can help with shingles pain if given within 72 hours of when the blisters appear.  In addition there are some home remedies that may be helpful.  Cool packs with ice water placed for 20 minutes at a time may... Full Answer

The pain of associated with Shingles can be the most difficult aspect of dealing with Shingles. Treatment options for Shingles are prescription antiviral drugs to shorten the length of the infections. These medications are more effective if started... Full Answer

Any kind of pain we experience is made worse by our tendency to fight the pain. Acceptance of our experience - not saying we like it or approve of it, or that we don't want it to change, but simply acknowledging our reality - helps us to change our... Full Answer