What Are the Treatments for Inward Shingles?

Treatment for inward shingles involves relieving the pain that often accompanies the condition. In addition, treatment can include anti-viral and anti-inflammatory medications, and getting rest to enable the body to heal. Inward shingles treatment may continue long after the virus has cleared up due to recurring pain. However, shingles can also be treated home, and may get better on its own.

What Are Inward Shingles?

• Inward shingles is a viral infection that occurs many years after the chickenpox illness has occurred. Also known as herpes zoster, shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Inward shingles lies dormant in the nerve tissues and reactivates many years later, usually in people over 60. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles.

Home Treatment

• Inward shingles can be treated at home by getting plenty of rest and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid strenuous activities while recuperating, as well as stress that can worsen the pain. Trying relaxation techniques such as Tai Chi, reading, soothing oatmeal baths or enjoying pleasurable hobbies.

Antiviral Drugs

• Treatment for inward shingles consists of high doses of antiviral drugs to reduce the length and severity of the illness. Treatment should start 72 hours after initial discovery of the shingles rash that can appear on the face, neck or even in the eye or ears. It can also appear on one side of the body. With inward shingles the pain may start long before a rash or bumps appear.

Anti-Inflammtory Drugs

• Another course of treatment for inward shingles is taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed to reduce the inflammation and lower the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. This can happen when shingles disappears for many months but the pain continues in the nerve tissues.

Other Treatments

• To control the pain and stress brought on by inward shingles, antidepressants may be prescribed. Sometimes anticonvulsants help derail the pain that may continue even when shingles goes away. Narcotic pain relievers such as codeine may be needed in cases of severe pain.

No Cure

• Currently there is no cure for inward shingles. However, there is a vaccination for seniors aged 60 and over. Called the Varicella-zoster vaccine (Zostavox), it can help ward off shingles and lessen its impact.

Doctor

• The pain of shingles may happen before a rash occurs disguising the inward shingles infection. It may feel like gallstones, kidney stones or appendicitis. A health-care professional will be able to detect this virus and begin immediate treatment.