Zapping Shingles: The Latest Treatments That Really Work

Antiviral Medications: The First Line of Defense

Antiviral drugs are the cornerstone of shingles treatment. Medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir work by stopping the virus from multiplying. These drugs are most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing. They can speed up healing, reduce the severity of the rash, and help prevent complications like postherpetic neuralgia.

Pain Management: Taming the Discomfort

Pain is a common and often severe symptom of shingles. Treatment usually starts with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For more severe pain, doctors may prescribe stronger medications such as opioids, or drugs typically used for depression or seizures that also help with nerve pain. Topical treatments like lidocaine patches can also provide relief.

Specialized Treatments for Complications

In some cases, shingles can lead to complications that require additional treatments. For postherpetic neuralgia, doctors may use nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulation. If shingles affects the eye, antiviral eye drops and steroid eye drops may be necessary. For rare cases of disseminated zoster, hospitalization and intravenous antiviral treatment may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

With prompt and appropriate treatment, most people recover well from shingles and can avoid serious complications.

Related Articles

• Shingles: The Sneaky Virus That Strikes Back
• Are You at Risk for Shingles? 5 Surprising Factors to Consider
• Shield Yourself from Shingles: Prevention Strategies That Actually Work
• Shingles Symptoms: What You Need to Know Before It's Too Late

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