Topical Medication For Shingles Treatment

If you think you have shingles contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment.

Topical medication for shingles treatment. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a rash which can be painful. New england journal of medicine 2005. Your doctor can suggest over the counter medicines to relieve milder discomfort. Shingles causes inflammation and pain.

Seek early treatment mayo clinic health letter june 2002. Capsaicin topical patch qutenza anticonvulsants such as gabapentin neurontin tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Numbing agents such as lidocaine delivered via a cream gel spray or skin patch. Medications that contain narcotics such as codeine.

Wet compresses calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths a lukewarm bath mixed with ground up oatmeal may help. While antiviral medication is an effective treatment for shingles it s not the only option. Shingles can cause severe pain so your doctor also may prescribe. The most relied on topical choice by physicians remains a capsaicin 8 patch called qutenza.

There are several home remedies that may provide relief from the symptoms. Some of the antiviral meds above also have topical administrations as well such as acyclovir ointment for shingles but they re unpopular. Pain medicine either over the counter or a prescription from your doctor may help relieve the pain caused by shingles. These may also help you stave off postherpetic neuralgia.

National institute of neurologic disorders and stroke.