Treatment for an Acute Shingles Attack
The treatment goals for an acute attack of herpes zoster include the following:
- Reduce pain.
- Reduce discomfort.
- Hasten healing of blisters.
- Prevent the disease from spreading (disseminating).
Over the counter remedies are often effective in reducing the pain of an attack. Antiviral agents (acyclovir and others), oral corticosteroids, or both are sometimes given to patients with severe symptoms, particularly if they are older and at risk for postherpes neuralgia. In addition, psychologic therapies aimed at coping and reducing the effects of pain may be useful.
Home Remedies for Shingles
Text Continues Below
Applied Cold. Cold compresses soaked in Burrow's solution and cool baths may help relieve the blisters. It is important not to break blisters, which can cause infection. Experts advise against warm treatments, which can intensify itching. Patients should wear loose clothing and use clean loose gauze coverings over the affected areas.
Itch Relief. In general, to prevent or reduce itching, home treatments are similar to those used for chickenpox. Patients can try antihistamines, particularly Benadryl, oatmeal baths, and calamine lotion.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers. For an acute shingles attack, patients may take over-the-counter pain relievers, including the following:
- Children should take acetaminophen.
- Adults may take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil). Such remedies, however, are not very effective for postherpetic neuralgia.
Nucleoside Analogues and Other Anti-Viral Drugs
.gif)
