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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Shingles Be Treated?

I m thinking I have Shingles. I ve had the pain for about a week and just today noticed a rash type of something on my skin. It s only on the right side of my body and goes from mid right on my back to mid right on the front. its about nipple high and goes down about 4 inches. Looking for relief.
Fri, 23 Feb 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Shingles is an infection of an individual nerve and the skin surface that is supplied by the nerve. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox can develop shingles.

Treatment:

There is currently no way to eliminate the shingles virus from the body. However, there are ways to ease symptoms:
- Keep the rash dry and clean to reduce the risk of infection.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing for comfort.
- Avoid rub-on antibiotic creams or adhesive dressings, as they can slow the healing process.
- If the rash needs to be covered, a non-adherent dressing should be used to prevent aggravating the skin.
- Products such as Calamine lotion, which are available online, can soothe and relieve the itching.
- Antihistamines can sometimes help prevent itching at night.
- A doctor may prescribe painkilling medication.

In some cases, antiviral medicine may be prescribed to help stop the virus multiplying, and to reduce severity and duration.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Jagadish Golabavi
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How Can Shingles Be Treated?

Hello, Shingles is an infection of an individual nerve and the skin surface that is supplied by the nerve. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox can develop shingles. Treatment: There is currently no way to eliminate the shingles virus from the body. However, there are ways to ease symptoms: - Keep the rash dry and clean to reduce the risk of infection. - Wear loose-fitting clothing for comfort. - Avoid rub-on antibiotic creams or adhesive dressings, as they can slow the healing process. - If the rash needs to be covered, a non-adherent dressing should be used to prevent aggravating the skin. - Products such as Calamine lotion, which are available online, can soothe and relieve the itching. - Antihistamines can sometimes help prevent itching at night. - A doctor may prescribe painkilling medication. In some cases, antiviral medicine may be prescribed to help stop the virus multiplying, and to reduce severity and duration. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Jagadish Golabavi