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Can Triamcinolone Acetonide Or Hydrocortisone Creams Effective At Treating Shingles?
Question: can I use , triamcinolone acetonide or hydrocortisone anti-itch cream , for shingles ? worst pain under arm pit , rt. side- and also down rt. arm tricep elbo to arm pit. rt. side back and chest but not as bad. I am over three wks. with trouble. er first day gave shot and pills for a wk. and calomine solution. am suffering I just screamed like a wild animal , seemed like 5min. probably 30 sec. from pain under arm elbo to arm pit ,tricep area. My primary Dr.(VA) said she would send pain pills that do not cause constipation and some cream? that was oct 11,17 , have not gotten yet 10-16-17. Took hydrocodone ,one pill 325mg , and one x-lax.. ??
Brief Answer:
Herpes associated neuralgia. Topical steroids wont help
Detailed Answer:
Hello. thank you for writing to us.
I am Dr. kakkar(Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and noted your concern.
Herpes associated neuralgia can last for weeks or months, therefore treatment can be long. You may take an OTC painkiller e.g either ibuprofen or diclofenac, twice or thrice a day till you receive the medications from your doctor. Topical triamcinolone acetonide and hydrocortisone creams are steroids and are not supposed to be of any benefit in neuralgic pain of herpes poster/ shingles. Though oral steroids (not topical steroids) may be considered in older patients with severe shingles who are at risk of debilitating post herpetic neuralgic pain.
Regards
Herpes associated neuralgia. Topical steroids wont help
Detailed Answer:
Hello. thank you for writing to us.
I am Dr. kakkar(Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and noted your concern.
Herpes associated neuralgia can last for weeks or months, therefore treatment can be long. You may take an OTC painkiller e.g either ibuprofen or diclofenac, twice or thrice a day till you receive the medications from your doctor. Topical triamcinolone acetonide and hydrocortisone creams are steroids and are not supposed to be of any benefit in neuralgic pain of herpes poster/ shingles. Though oral steroids (not topical steroids) may be considered in older patients with severe shingles who are at risk of debilitating post herpetic neuralgic pain.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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