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Can I Use Clobetasol Propionate Cream For Itchy Rash On Neck?
Question: diagnosed with shingles on m neck yesterday, day two of small rash, now itchy and burning. started valacyclovir...i also have some clobetasol propionate that my son used for poison oak. if i am treating the virus with the meds, can i use the ointment to relieve the rash?
Brief Answer:
Better to avoid steroids
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in healthcaremagic.com
This is Dr. Swarnava dattagupta answering your query.
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
The mainstay of treatment for shingles is antiviral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir etc which you are already taking. Alongwith, pain relief medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen are useful. For itching associated with shingles, I generally prefer antihistamines like levocetrizine or fexofenadine or local application of calamine lotion etc.
Clobetasol propionate is a steroid ointment. The use of steroids in shingles is controversial. In many cases, the infection seems to flare up and become worse. However, in some, it can be useful. Hence like many other doctors, I also generally prefer not to use steroids in shingles because of the uncertainty. The rash will decrease following treatment with valacyclovir and the itching can be taken care of as I mentioned above.
You can consult your treating or family doctor about the above.
Hope i have answered your question.
If you have any further questions i will be happy to help.
Regards
Better to avoid steroids
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query in healthcaremagic.com
This is Dr. Swarnava dattagupta answering your query.
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
The mainstay of treatment for shingles is antiviral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir etc which you are already taking. Alongwith, pain relief medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen are useful. For itching associated with shingles, I generally prefer antihistamines like levocetrizine or fexofenadine or local application of calamine lotion etc.
Clobetasol propionate is a steroid ointment. The use of steroids in shingles is controversial. In many cases, the infection seems to flare up and become worse. However, in some, it can be useful. Hence like many other doctors, I also generally prefer not to use steroids in shingles because of the uncertainty. The rash will decrease following treatment with valacyclovir and the itching can be taken care of as I mentioned above.
You can consult your treating or family doctor about the above.
Hope i have answered your question.
If you have any further questions i will be happy to help.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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