Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus that causes chicken pox in children. An outbreak of shingles can last between three and five weeks, and it can be very painful. However, there are many medical remedies to treat and prevent shingles.
About Shingles
Shingles present themselves as clusters of watery blisters on one side of the body, usually the area of the middle of the back, wrapping around to the chest or breast area. However, outbreaks can occur on the neck, face and scalp. Prior to an outbreak of shingles, pain or tingling may be noted in the area. Some patients experience fever, chills, headache and stomach pain. Shingles lesions eventually crust over and heal in time. But sometimes the skin remains extremely painful and sensitive for months as a result of a condition called postherpetic neuralgia.
Shingles are not considered life-threatening, nor can one person give another person shingles. However, if someone with shingles comes into close physical contact with someone who has not been vaccinated against chicken pox or has not had the disease, that person could get chicken pox.
Medical Remedies
Shingles do not require medical treatment, as they resolve on their own. However, high doses of antiviral drugs such as cyclovir, valcyclovir and famcyclovir can reduce the duration of the lesions and lessen symptoms. Oral anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone, can reduce inflammation in the area of the lesions and decrease the chances that a patient will experience postherpetic neuralgia.
If shingles are particularly painful, a doctor may prescribe a narcotic. Other medical treatments for shingles include tricyclic antidepressants to address residual pain. Topical creams containing capsaicin and skin patches containing lidocaine can also reduce discomfort caused by shingles.
The Shingles Vaccine
In 2006, a new shingles vaccine called Zostavax was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Admnistration for use in people 60 years or older who had chicken pox. Research on the vaccine indicates that it reduces episodes of shingles by 50 percent, and in those who still had shingles despite being vaccinated, the symptoms and duration of the outbreak were reduced. Unfortunately, the Zostavax vaccine is a preventive measure and is effective only for those who have never had shingles before.
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