Different ways to help with Shingles Symptoms

The symptoms of shingles can be painful and uncomfortable.  There are antiviral medications that can be given to help cure the virus, but this condition can still last for many weeks.  There are many different treatments to help with some of the symptoms of shingles, including baths, ointments, medications, and lotions to reduce pain and itching.

One helpful technique in helping with shingles symptoms is to avoid scratching and picking at blisters.  This can make the pain and itching worse and even leave scars.



In order to shorten the duration and decrease the risk for complications, your healthcare provider can prescribe antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or Famciclovir.  In addition to this, your healthcare provider can prescribe medications to help the pain ,such as, Capsaicin cream, which is a topical cream to help reduce pain, numbing agents, or an injection of corticosteroids to decrease swelling and pain.
In addition to these prescriptions, there are home remedies that can help treat the symptoms of Shingles.  Taking cool baths and using cool and moist compresses helps relieve discomfort from the Shingles rash.  Putting lotions after the cool baths can help keep the rash moisturized and help ease discomfort.  Applying baking soda and cornstarch can help dry out the sores so that they will go away faster.  To read more about home remedies for Shingles, click here.


Sources:
http://www.drugs.com/
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/ss/slideshow-shingles-pictures
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154912.php?page=2
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/shingles/page6_em.htm