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Suggest Treatment For An Outbreak Of Shingles

Posted on Mon, 4 May 2015

Question: What treatment, if any, is there for an outbreak of shingles?

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment for shingles

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Since shingles is a viral infection of the skin ,it needs to be managed by giving oral antivirals to the patient .
Antivirals like acyclovir or valacyclovir or famcyclovir can be given regularly for five to seven days in the correct dosage .
In local management of the area,proper cleaning is important followed by application of a topical antibiotic cream like mupirocin or neosporin along with a topical soothing agent like calamine has to be given .
Once the lesions heal up ,according to the intensity of pain ,pain killers or nerve tonics can be given .

Dr XXXXXXX Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (3 days later)

Your advice gave me a good direction. I've been on 800mg acyclovir 5x/day for four days now. I'm not seeing a reduction or change in the rash, but it hasn't spread either. Is this a normal response? The dr has given me eight days of meds. Should I expect to see a decline in the disease at the end of this?

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take complete course of medicine

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Herpes zoster follows its own course and the disease may take ten to fourteen days for complete healing.
You need to take the full course of anti virals as prescribed. I am sure it will heal soon .

Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (3 hours later)

One last question, seems like since this has started, I've had a dull but steady side ache, especially at night. One Advil tab handles it, but is this a symptom or should I consult my Dr.? In general, though, I don't notice any effect other than the rash itself. Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pain is common in shingles

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Since shingles affects the nerves ,so severe aches associated with it are very common .
You can take some oral pain killers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
You can also take some nerve supplements like vitamin b complex.

Dr Geetika Paul

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. Shanthi.E