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How Can Pain Due To Shingles Be Treated?
I have been suffering with pain from shingles for the past two weeks. Even though I can tolerate the pain during the day, I cannot sleep at night without meds due to much pain awaking me. Prescribed Gabapentin makes me very drowsy and itchy. I have tried Tylenol for pain, but severe itching with it as well. Ibuprofen seems to take the edge off so I can sleep at night, but wanted to try something different as I have been on this for two weeks, and have mild asthma and some minor GI issues that I don want to worsen. I have read that sometimes opiates have less side effects, so thus may be safer for chronic pain. What do you think? And suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Mon, 22 Aug 2016
Hello dear
Understand your concern.
Shingles generally recover in 3-5 week. But main problem is re occurrence and pain problem.
Complication are
Secondary bacterial infection, Motor involvement, including weakness, Postherpetic neuralgia
You can take following advice:
Initially treatment:
Anti viral medication:Acyclovir, Pain medication: acetaminophen
Topical treatment
Neosporine ointment, Calamine lotion and Capsaicin cream
If pain not relieved after month you should start following treatment after consulting doctor
Antidepressant: Amitryptaline
Topical anesthetic: Benzocaine or lidocaine
Opioids and caffeine can be used
Cool water bath, Wet compression also helpful
Hope this may help you.
Best regards
Dr. Sagar
Understand your concern.
Shingles generally recover in 3-5 week. But main problem is re occurrence and pain problem.
Complication are
Secondary bacterial infection, Motor involvement, including weakness, Postherpetic neuralgia
You can take following advice:
Initially treatment:
Anti viral medication:Acyclovir, Pain medication: acetaminophen
Topical treatment
Neosporine ointment, Calamine lotion and Capsaicin cream
If pain not relieved after month you should start following treatment after consulting doctor
Antidepressant: Amitryptaline
Topical anesthetic: Benzocaine or lidocaine
Opioids and caffeine can be used
Cool water bath, Wet compression also helpful
Hope this may help you.
Best regards
Dr. Sagar
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