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Treatment for Shingles on the Face

Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. All ages can be affected regardless of gender or race. There are more than 250,000 cases reported each year in the United States. Shingles begin in a variety of places on the body, such as the trunk, head, neck, arm, or thigh, with the most common areas being the trunk, neck and back. However, it can sometimes start on the face or in or around the eyes.

  1. Treatment

    • It's believed that shingles are triggered when the immune system is weakened, either from stress, fatigue or certain medications. Topical formulas are the first line of treatment, especially ointments containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or local anesthetic agents like Lidocaine. One of the more common cremes prescribed by doctors is a rubbing creme containing Capsaicin. By rubbing this over the painful, blistered areas of the skin, capsaicin will eventually reduce the stinging and burning sensations felt through the skin and nerve endings. Also, applying cold compresses to the red or blistered areas may help to ease some of the stinging and burning feeling and will tend to make you a little more comfortable. You should try to avoid heat because it will increase the pain through the nerve endings.

    More Remedies

    • Although the absolute cause of shingles is not known, research has shown that there are three specific antiviral medications that work very well, especially for those who develop shingles on the face. These specific medications are Zovirax, which is highly recommended in the reduction of inflammation and pain, Famvir and Valtrex. There are also topical agents that can be used to soothe sensitive areas of the skin, which include Calamine, Aspercreme and Silvadene cream.

    Important Information

    • For those who are experiencing shingles on the face, it's important to keep in mind that any tingling on the tip of the nose may indicate the progression onto the upper face and eyes. If this virus moves to the eyes, there's the chance it could infect the cornea, causing blindness. It's important that you see a physician immediately if the upper face becomes affected. Also, if you develop shingles on your face, you are more likely to experience prolonged post-shingle pain for months.

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