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Hello Zeromedia readers, if you or your loved one has been diagnosed with shingles, you know how painful and uncomfortable it can be. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. In this article, we will discuss how to treat shingles at home and with medical treatments.
Natural Remedies for Shingles
- Apply a cool, wet compress: To reduce pain and itching, dampen a soft washcloth with cool water and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
- Take a bath with oatmeal: Oatmeal can soothe irritated skin. Add a cup of finely ground oatmeal to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Use calamine lotion: Calamine lotion can help relieve itching caused by shingles.
- Apply aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel can help reduce swelling and redness, and soothe the skin.
Medical Treatments for Shingles
Antiviral medications can help shorten the duration of shingles and reduce the severity of symptoms. These medications work best if taken within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain caused by shingles. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medications if necessary.
Topical Medications
Topical medications such as lidocaine can help relieve pain and itching. They are applied directly to the affected area.
Table of Shingles Symptoms and Treatments
| Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Painful rash | Antiviral medications, pain medications, topical medications |
| Itching | Oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, topical medications |
| Fever | Antiviral medications, pain medications |
| Headache | Pain medications |
FAQ
What causes shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in your nerve tissue. Years later, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.
Is shingles contagious?
Shingles is not contagious, but the varicella-zoster virus can be spread to someone who has not had chickenpox. If someone who has not had chickenpox is exposed to the rash, they can develop chickenpox.
How long does shingles last?
The symptoms of shingles usually last 2-4 weeks, but some people may experience pain for months after the rash has healed.
That’s it for our comprehensive guide on how to treat shingles. We hope you found this information helpful. Goodbye for now, and stay healthy!