Medical Suggestions for the Relief of Shingles Pain
- Those who have been infected with chicken pox are at risk of getting shingles, but there are also other factors that may increase your chances of developing the infection. These factors include high levels of stress, fatigue, age over 60 and weak immune systems caused by chronic diseases, cancer treatment or AIDS.
The incubation period for shingles is about two to five days. Primary symptoms of shingles are similar to the early signs of a common cold but may also include fatigue, nausea, chills and fever. As the infection progresses, symptoms become more severe. Symptoms include skin itching, numbness of skin, presence of rashes and blisters (reddish bumps will become fluid-filled blisters) and excruciating muscle and nerve pain. - According to Family Doctor.org, symptoms of shingles typically vanish within three to five weeks. Certain forms of treatment are often prescribed for the management of pain. Your doctor can prescribe you oral antiviral medications such as valacyclovir, famciclovir and acyclovir to hasten the departure of the infection. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also be prescribed for pain relief. These medications work best when taken during the first three days after getting the rash.
- Your doctor may also prescribe steroid medication for pain relief to reduce swelling and to reduce the risk of developing another infection called post-herpetic neuralgia.
To reduce the itching, redness, and pain brought about by skin rashes, medicated lotions such as Caladryl and Benadryl can be applied on the skin. Placing ice packs or cold compresses soaked in astringents such as Bluboro and Domeboro on the sores and skin blisters may also help alleviate the itching and pain.