Hands on Shingles Rash Treatment Advice
Shingles is a skin infection that is caused by the chicken pox virus- varicella zoster. Once the virus is re-awoken, bands of blisters and rashes form on the body. However, unlike the chicken pox whose rashes are scattered all over the body, the shingles blisters are concentrated in one area. Consult a doctor if you think that you have the shingles. If left untreated, the disease may cause irreversible scarring.
Shingles rash treatment has different goals. First is to shorten the eruptive stage of the rashes and the blisters. You want to keep them from breaking out as soon as possible. The more rashes there are, the harder they are to heal. Second, you want to speed up the healing of the blisters. The virus is spread through direct contact with these blisters. The faster that these blisters heal, the less chance there is for the virus to spread. Obviously, you also want to reduce the patient’s discomfort. Shingles rashes may be painful and itchy. It may be more tolerable because it isn’t scattered all over the body but the unwanted sensation is the same of that with chicken pox.
You may shorten the length of the break out period by using oral antiviral drugs. Make sure to consult your doctor to find out which antibiotics will work best for you. You may lessen inflammation and the unpleasant feeling by taking any anti-inflammatory drugs. You may also take prescription over-the-counter pain relievers. Again, remember to consult with a specialist before taking any drug. Different drugs have different effects in the body. Never ever self-medicate.
Antiviral medications will effectively reduce the amount of shingles rashes. Go to a doctor once you suspect that you have a mild case of shingles. Remember that it is better to take any pre-emptive medicine instead of having to endure the discomfort that intense rashes will give you. Follow your physician’s prescription strictly. If you do, your rashes and lesions should be gone in no time.
Related articles
- Chickenpox – All Information (umm.edu)
