Shingles Treatment – Diagnosing and Treating Shingles

There are a number of shingles treatment options for people suffering with the painful affliction. Generally, antiviral drugs are best option, but there are other potential treatments that may alleviate some common shingles symptoms. Here, the most common and effective shingles treatments will be discussed; additionally, some background information about the affliction will be provided

What is Shingles?

Before discussing the various treatments for shingles, some patients may find a bit of background information on the illness to be helpful. Here are some facts about the varicella-zoster virus, i.e. the shingles virus.

• It is the same virus that causes chicken pox.
• Most of the time, the virus remains dormant after its initial outbreak (as chickenpox). However, the virus can be reactivated as shingles.
• The virus is mildly contagious (direct contact with the rash is usually required), but only to people who haven’t yet been exposed to it. Therefore, anyone who’s ever had chickenpox is immune.

Who Gets Shingles?

• People over age 60, and people with weakened immune systems, are most susceptible to acquiring shingles. However, no one is immune to the affliction — it affects all age groups.

Is there a vaccine available? Is it effective?

• Yes, there is a shingles vaccineavailable, and it is recommended by the FDA to all healthy people over age 60. The vaccine reduces a
  

  A crusted over, band-like shingles rash. Source: CDC (public domain)

  patient’s chances of developing the disease by 51%.

What does shingles look like?

• In most cases, shingles looks like a blistery, band-like rash. However,the rash may not have the typical, band-like appearance on all patients.

Treatment for Shingles

Note: make sure you see your doctor as soon as possible if you believe you have the shingles virus to discuss these treatment options, and to avoid potentially serious post-shingles complications.

Antiviral Drugs

If the shingles rash appears anywhere in the vicinity of the patient’s face or head, then they will typically be prescribed a course of antiviral medication immediately, due to the risk of severe complications

Related: Ophthalmic Herpes Zoster (shingles on the face or head) – Symptoms and Treatment.

Antiviral drugs may not be necessary in all cases. Younger patients, along with those who experience a “mild” outbreak of the disease are among those most likely not to be prescribed antiviral drugs. Still, overall, antiviral medications are considered to be the most effective treatment option.

There are three  antiviral drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat shingles: aciclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir (Famvir®), and valacyclovir (Valtrex®).

These medications are most effective if they’re prescribed early on in the course of the disease, ideally within at least three days of the rash appearing (the sooner, the better).

Each of these drugs can expedite healing time, relieve pain, and reduce a patient’s risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia — a painful post-shingles affliction that can last months, or even years after the initial outbreak occurs. Moreover, all three medications are similarly effective in treating the varicella zoster virus.

That being said, there are some differences with regard to the cost and dosage of these medications that may be noteworthy to some patients. Aciclovir, for instance, is the cheapest of the three antiviral drugs, but it also requires five daily doses. The other two medications cost more, but only require two to three doses per day.  Still, once again, all of these medications can effectively treat the varicella zoster virus.

Related: Shingles Treatment Costs.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can provide patients with some additional pain relief, and they are sometimes used in conjunction with antiviral antibiotics for shingles treatment.

However, there are myriad potential side effects that go along with corticosteroid treatment, including adverse bone and heart effects. Consequently, doctors will often reserve corticosteroids for patients who are generally healthy and who are experiencing exceptionally severe pain.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants, or more specifically, tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitptyline and nortriptyline) can effectively reduce pain. These antidepressants are more commonly used to treat postherpetic neuralgia, but they can also be used as a treatment for shingles.

Common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include: dry nose, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Tricylcic antidepressants have also been reported to cause heart and liver problems in some patients. Accordingly, doctors may be hesitant to prescribe tricyclic antidepressants due to those potentially adverse effects.

Newer antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have less side effects and may be favored shingles treatment options for certain patients. However, these newer antidepressants typically aren’t as effective in terms of pain reduction.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, can also help patients manage shingles pain. They are said to be particularly effective in relieving the “stabbing” pain that some individuals with postherpetic neuralgia  experience.

Potential adverse effects of anticonvulsant treatment include: memory problems, electrolyte irregularities, sedation, and thrombocytopenia.

Opioids

Opioids, such as codeine and morphine, are infrequently prescribed for shingles treatment, except in severe cases. Opioids are highly addictive, which is one reason many doctors avoid prescribing them for shingles. Like antidepressants, opioids are more frequently prescribed to treat postherpetic neuralgia than to treat shingles.

Side effects of opioid treatment may include: vomiting, nausea, weakness, problems sleeping, appetite disturbances, and blurred vision.

Treatment For Shingles: Review

In summation, there are many potential shingles treatment choices for both patients and doctors to consider. Typically, antiviral drugs are the most effective method for treating the disease, but there are other adjunct treatment options that may provide additional relief of shingles pain. Be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience a shingles outbreak.

Next—–> Shingles Pain Relief — Effective OTC and Prescription Pain Relievers for Shingles

Shingles Treatment – More Related Topics:  The Shingles Vaccine – Zostavax, Natural Shingles Treatment, Home Remedies for Shingles.