Treatment For Shingles Rash Uk

Painkilling medication such as paracetamol ibuprofen or codeine.

Treatment for shingles rash uk.

Covering the rash with clothing or a non adherent non stick dressing to reduce the risk of other people becoming infected with chickenpox as it s very difficult to pass the virus on to someone else if the rash is covered. An antiviral medicine does not kill the virus but works by stopping the virus from multiplying. John s wort oregano oil echinacea lemon balm green tea essential fatty acids. To treat the pain of postherpetic neuralgia using an anaesthetic ointment lidocaine 5 before applying a topical analgesic cream capsaicin cream may help.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as a person notices the symptoms of shingles. So it may limit the severity of symptoms of the shingles episode. The national institute on. Treatment for shingles can include.

Shingles causes a red rash that forms a band on one side of your body or face. Taking antiviral drugs as early as possible when shingles starts may reduce the risk of getting postherpetic neuralgia and can shorten its duration if it does occur. Antiviral medicines used to treat shingles include aciclovir famciclovir and valaciclovir. The second most common rash site is the face.

These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears. Several antiviral medicines acyclovir valacyclovir and famciclovir are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness. Shingles can cause severe pain so your doctor also may prescribe. The rash can appear anywhere on your body or in several places.

Antiviral medications these medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms. Over the counter or prescription medication may be recommended to treat shingles.