How to Cure Shingles

Shingles is a disease characterized by a painful rash and blisters. According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease is a "band of blisters that wraps from the middle of your back around one side of your chest to your breastbone." Shingles is also referred to as "herpes zoster."
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This same virus causes chicken pox. Those who had chicken pox as children have the potential to develop shingles as adults. As part of the herpes family, there is no cure for shingles, but the rash and blisters heal in a few weeks. There are, however, treatments available that can reduce the pain and shorten the healing time.

Instructions

• 1

  Take an antiviral drug. When the painful rash first appears, the Mayo Clinic suggests seeing a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs such as Zovirax, Valtrex or Famvir. For best results, these drugs need to be taken in high doses during the first 72 hours of the rash appearing. These drugs greatly ease the pain and accelerate healing.

• 2

  Take anti-inflammatory drugs. These are also medications you can only get from a doctor. Many doctors give anti-inflammatory drugs in addition to antiviral drugs. These drugs help to ease the symptoms of shingles and provide a soothing effect for the blistered skin. Corticosteroids are the main form of anti-inflammatory drugs used. They are also called "steroids." Corticosteroids also lower the risk of getting postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles. With postherpetic neuralgia, the skin remains painful for months even after the rash and blisters have healed.

• 3

  Take over-the-counter medications. For mild pain, ibuprofen drugs, such as Motrin and Advil, can help. Also, nonprescription hydrocortisone creams can help relieve the itchy rashes. Calamine lotion has also proven to be effective. Skin patches with lidocaine can be helpful in relieving pain, and in some cases, antihistamines, such as Benadryl, have helped reduce pain. With any of these drugs, be certain to follow the manufacturer's directions.

• 4

  Take prescription pain relievers. For some people, shingles causes excruciating pain. For this pain, a doctor may prescribe opiods, writes the Mayo Clinic. Doctors have also been known to prescribe anticonvulsant drugs. These types of drugs are usually offered when the pain remains after the rashes and blisters are gone. In some cases, taking tricyclic antidepressants has helped to ease the pain.

• 5

  Take the vaccine. According to the Mayo Clinic "vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles." This vaccine is only available from a health care professional.