Methods of Treatment for Shingles
There is no argument that shingles is a painful ordeal to have to endure, particularly for the elderly who are the ones mostly frequented by this disease. Treatment for zoster is mainly palliative, but it is the antiviral meds that can help to interrupt the virus’s ability to replicate, which can lessen the severity and length of time the disease is active.
Medications are utilized to lessen pain, decrease the duration of the disease and decrease the risk of onset of complications.
Complications:
Cellulitis: This complications a bacterial infection that can spread to the lymph nodes and blood and is often a high risk for fatality. Postherpetic Neuralgia: A painful condition of the nerve fibers and skin. Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain Hearing loss Visual problems that can be temporary or permanent Facial paralysis Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Infection of the facial nerve with painful rash and facial muscle weakness.
The active stage of shingles can prove to be a very painful and debilitating condition. The good news is there are medications to combat the affects that an outbreak can have on your life.
Medications:
Pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, to decrease pain Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir (Famvir) Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone and prednisone taken orally or by injection Topical antibiotics applied to the skin to prevent bacterial infection on open and leaking blisters
Drugs for Postherpetic Neuralgia:
Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline Analgesics Topical medications, such as a lidocaine patch Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica) Corticosteroids, such as prednisone Nerve block Opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine
The Zostavax Vaccine:
Licensed in 2006, a chickenpox booster vaccine called Zostavax was released to combat the zoster virus. Studies proved that the vaccine thwarted the infection in 50% of people age 60 and older as well as proving to lessen the severity of the pain associated with it. However, those suffering from allergies to such things as gelatin or antibiotics such as neomycin were contraindicated.
Contraindications:
Immune system problems such as HIV/AIDS Drug treatments that affect the immune system such as steroids, radiation, or chemotherapy History of leukemia or lymphoma Active TB Expectant mothers
Women should avoid pregnancy for at least 12 weeks after having the Zostivax vaccine. Additionally, people who are experiencing any sickness should not be vaccinated until they have recovered, especially if there is a fever.
Any medication comes with the possible risk of side effects and Zostavax is no different.
Mild problems include: Redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the injection site and headache.
Severe Reactions: Respiratory distress, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, rapid heart rate, and dizziness. These symptoms would manifest within a few hours of being vaccinated.
If you believe you are getting ready to experience a Shingles outbreak, seek the assistance of a medical care professional. Early treatment aids in lessening pain and duration as well as lessening the possibility of experiencing severe complications.
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and experience writer who loves to share her experience and knowledge online. She has a classroom at Clivir.com where she provides more information on Shingles Symptoms and Shingles Pain Management.
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