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Contents
  • Antiviral Medications
  • Pain Management Strategies
  • Preventing Postherpetic Neuralgia

Can Treatment Help with Shingles Pain?

Can Treatment Help with Shingles Pain?

Finding Relief

Shingles can be painful, but there are treatment options available to help manage the discomfort. Let's explore how therapy can ease the pain.
Contents
  • Antiviral Medications
  • Pain Management Strategies
  • Preventing Postherpetic Neuralgia

Antiviral Medications

Antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of a shingles outbreak. Starting these medications within 72 hours of rash onset is crucial for them to be most effective. Common antivirals used include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.

Pain Management Strategies

Managing pain is a key part of shingles treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be helpful. In some cases, doctors may prescribe stronger pain medications or numbing agents to provide relief.
Shingles is a viral infection causing a painful rash. Antiviral medications and pain management strategies can help alleviate symptoms.

Preventing Postherpetic Neuralgia

Preventing the development of postherpetic neuralgia, a chronic pain condition following shingles, is an important goal. Antiviral medications and pain management can reduce the risk, and in some cases, antidepressants or anticonvulsants may be prescribed to help.

FAQs

Do antivirals help with shingles?

Yes, they can reduce the severity and duration if started early.

How can pain from shingles be managed?

Pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

What is postherpetic neuralgia?

It is chronic pain that can occur after shingles.

Can treatment prevent postherpetic neuralgia?

Yes, early treatment can reduce the risk of developing it.

The Bottom Line

Effective treatment can ease shingles pain and prevent long-term complications.
Experiencing shingles pain? Discuss treatment options with Doctronic!
Additional References
  1. Oxman MN, Levin MJ, Johnson GR, et al. A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:2271.
  2. Schmader KE, Levin MJ, Grupping K, et al. The Impact of Reactogenicity After the First Dose of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine on the Physical Functioning and Quality of Life of Older Adults: An Open-Label, Phase III Trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2019; 74:1217.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.