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Shingles Lesion Treatment

Shingles happens because of a reactivation of the chicken pox virus (varicella-zoster virus, or VZV) in a nerve cell. When this occurs, pain and a blistering rash develop. A number of different treatment strategies are used to treat this illness.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Before treatment for shingles begins, diagnosis by a physician is necessary. According to the Mayo Clinic, a diagnosis is normally reached based on the symptoms of pain and rash in a band around the midsection or head on one side of the body.

    Main Treatment

    • The main element of treatment for shingles is the administration of antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir) and corticosteroids, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Antiviral drugs target the virus, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the affected nerve.

    Pain Relief

    • The painful rash of shingles may be treated with either over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, depending on the level of pain, according to the AAFP.

    Topical Relief

    • To treat sores at the spot, topical capsaicin and lidocaine may be used. According to the AAFP, lidocaine should be used while lesions are still active; capsaicin should not be used until lesions have begun to heal.

    Considerations

    • Medications should be used only according to manufacturer's and doctor's instructions.

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