Herpes zoster (shingles) is not usually considered to be a serious disease. Nevertheless, when it is not prevented in time and properly treated, herpes zoster may cause such severe complications as post-herpetic neuralgia, blindness, deafness, facial paralysis, loss of taste, etc.
Unfortunately, there are not many ways of herpes zoster prevention. The best known is chickenpox vaccination. It is recommended for teenagers and adults who have never suffered from chickenpox. Sometimes chickenpox vaccine is prescribed for the elder people as a part of the general course of herpes zoster treatment. The results of vaccination are the reduction of complications and occurrence of post-herpetic neuralgia. This is due to the vaccines ability to boost the immunity and fight against this virus.
Traditionally herpes zoster is treated with anti-viral and anti-inflammatory preparations and pain-killers. Anti-viral medicine is effective in reducing pain and protection from serious complications. The preparations of this group (acyclovir, for example) help people with a weak immune system to fight against different viruses and bacteria. To achieve better results in herpes zoster treatment, it is recommended to start using anti-viral medications once you have felt the pain in doses that are four times greater than usually prescribed in herpes simplex or genital herpes cases.
Corticosteroids are prescribed to shorten inflammation process and prevent the development of post-herpetic neuralgia. They are supposed to be the most useful and effective for older people. At the same time, one should be very careful taking corticosteroids, because they may have serious side effects. To reduce and control pain, analgesics are prescribed to the herpes zoster patients. In this case cool wet compresses are also effective, because they give some relief for those suffering from severe pain. Itching and discomfort may be reduced by soothing baths and lotions. When the herpes zoster virus infects eyes, eye-drops and ointments are used to treat this problem.
Generally, a person should strictly stick to the rules of personal hygiene and keep the skin clean. It is better to be isolated till the blisters dry out in order not to infect the others, especially those who are very vulnerable to herpes zoster pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with a low immune response.
Speaking about the general rules of shingles treatment, we should pay special attention to the post-herpetic neuralgia. It is usually treated with medications that help reduce pain anti-depressants, nerve blockers, anti-seizure medicines. Acupuncture and electric nerve stimulation also have some benefit. Creams based on hot chili pepper extract are applied to the infected areas after the disappearance of blisters. Lidocaine pain patches are also used to treat the post-herpetic neuralgia. They are applied directly to the infected areas and work as analgesics thus reducing pain.
Finally, we should admit that it is better to prevent and treat the disease in time in order to avoid further complications.
Natalia
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