Treatments To Help Relieve Shingles Pain

30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”

  • Shingles is a viral infection, medically referred to as acute herpes zoster, that usually develops a painful skin rash on parts of the body.
  • Pain from shingles may begin several days before the rash develops, which may make it difficult for physicians to diagnose.
  • The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discusses what treatments can help relieve shingles pain.

People who’ve had the chicken pox as children, also called varicella zoster virus, are susceptible to developing shingles. Why? Because shortly after chicken pox heals, the virus moves from the skin to an area near the spinal cord. The virus usually remains dormant for a number of years, but can become active when a person’s immune is weakened.

What Does Shingles Pain Feel Like?

You may experience pain before a rash develops. Nevertheless, pain usually accompanies the shingles rash (common around the waist, chest, back, arms or shoulders) and remains within that specific area. Pain could range from mild to severe, and as we mentioned on the treatments page, patients may experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Pain, burning, numbness, tingling
  • A red rash that is painful or itches
  • Blisters that break open and crust
  • Fever, chills, headache
  • Fatigue, achiness
  • Skin sensitivity

It’s important patients monitor their condition. Shingles pain that does not go away may indicate postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic pain condition that affects nerve fibers and skin. This occurrence is rather, but nonetheless can occur. Taking the appropriate vaccine can reduce your risk of developing PHN by almost 70 percent, according to Mayo Clinic.

Treatments To Help Relieve Shingles Pain

There is no cure for shingles. However, medications can be used to minimize symptoms and combat the conditions’ progression. Acyclovir, Valacyclovir and Famciclovir have been deemed successful in the treatment of shingles by many physicians. To minimize pain, a combination of medication and injections may be recommended.

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With five locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postherpetic-neuralgia/bas...