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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?

Hi, My mom has shingles. She is 85 years old and very fragile. She is also on a wheel chair. I took her to ER and the doctor prescribed a medication and a cream with aloe. The pharmacist recommended gel with aloe, but after I applied it on the blisters seems they became more. She wants to travel overseas in a week. She already has a ticked. what would you recommend us to do to speed up the healing process?
Fri, 27 Apr 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As shingles is caused by the varicella virus, the same virus which causes pox, the treatment primarily consists of an anti-viral drug Acyclovir. Acyclovir 5 times a day for 3 - 5 days is the mainstay of the treatment.

Ibuprofen and sometimes opioid analgesics should be given if required for pain.
Over-the-counter antihistamine medication such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help alleviate the localized itching. Antiviral medications are most effective when started within 72 hours of the first appearance of the rash.

I hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Regards,
Dr. Prabhash Verma

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How Can Shingles Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. As shingles is caused by the varicella virus, the same virus which causes pox, the treatment primarily consists of an anti-viral drug Acyclovir. Acyclovir 5 times a day for 3 - 5 days is the mainstay of the treatment. Ibuprofen and sometimes opioid analgesics should be given if required for pain. Over-the-counter antihistamine medication such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help alleviate the localized itching. Antiviral medications are most effective when started within 72 hours of the first appearance of the rash. I hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you have any further questions. Regards, Dr. Prabhash Verma