How to Get Relief when suffering from Shingles Pain?

Shingles is a debilitating skin condition caused by the herpes zoster virus called the chickenpox virus. Shingles is characterized by clusters of fluid-filled blisters which run along the body's nerve paths. Typically the blisters itch and can be uncomfortable to the touch. The nerves affected are responsible for shingle induced pain. Different drugs and treatments can relieve pain from shingles.

Pain Relievers: Over - the-counter drugs are usually enough to manage the pain of those suffering from shingles. Many people are taking naproxen and ibuprofen to get pain relief. Nevertheless, some older adults may experience nerve pain that is so severe that strong prescription painkillers are needed. The narcotic oxycodone, a prescription drug, may be used to treat pain from shingles.

Anti-viral Medications: Antiviral drugs may decrease the intensity and duration of shingle signs. These include famciclovir, acyclovir, and valacyclovir. To order to control the infection they must be used immediately, preferably within 72 hours after symptoms begin to appear.

Topical Pain Relief: Some people find pain relief from shingles by using topical medicines. The topical anesthetic lidocaine is often effective in pain control and can be administered when sores are still active. Capsaicin cream can be used when the blisters crust over. As well as menthol-containing formulations such as high-strength Flexall, topical aspirin or triethanolamine salicylate (Aspercreme) may also be used.

Persistent Shingles Pain: Many patients continue to experience chronic pain even after the rash has cleared. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of sufferers from shingles. The painful inflammation on the nerves caused by the herpes zoster virus can last for months, or even years. This form of pain from shingles can be extremely severe and disabling.

Length and diagnosis vary for acute shingle pain and chronic PHN pain. The discomfort felt at the initial outbreak of shingles usually responds well to medication and is often short-term. PHN, on the other hand, takes longer to handle, and is often disabling. It happens more often in older people, too.

The discomfort can be so severe that the affected area can not withstand either clothes or a light touch. PHN sufferers may lose their ability to perform their daily tasks, resulting in a loss of independence and depression. Most PHN patients often do not seek any relief from their suffering regardless of what drug or therapy they use. PHN treatment methods include topical analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, analgesics with gabapentin, and opioids. A mixture of different methods of treatment is often used as no single intervention is successful at one hundred per cent. Use one or more of these treatment approaches during shingle infection along with antivirals can help prevent or reduce the pain and length of PHN.