Treatment for Recurring Shingles

There are many different treatments for recurring outbreaks of shingles, based on the varying levels of discomfort. The symptoms of an outbreak can range from inconvenient to excruciating, depending on the individual. While shingles, also known as herpes zoster, cannot be cured, treatments can offer some relief from the symptoms. It is also possible to lessen the number and severity of recurrent outbreaks of shingles with preventative measures.

Causes

• Shingles (herpes zoster) is the result of a chicken pox infection. The chicken pox virus, varicella zoster, lodges in the nervous system after the chicken pox has cleared up. The virus travels up nerve endings to cause a shingles outbreak. Recurring episodes can be frequent or seldom, depending on the individual. A lowered immune function, found in people who have diseases like HIV, or in the elderly, contributes to shingles outbreaks as well.

Prevention

• Treating recurring shingles starts with preventative measures. Stress reduces the strength of the immune system, which can lead to outbreaks. Practicing stress relief measures, such as yoga and meditation, can help to prevent recurrent shingles outbreaks. In addition, avoiding stressful situations during an outbreak can lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Early Symptoms

• The early symptoms of a shingles outbreak include dizziness, headache and weakness. Many flu-like symptoms can occur in the early stages of a shingles outbreak. These symptoms of a shingles outbreak can be treated with rest, along with over-the-counter pain remedies for headache pain.

Pain

• A shingles rash can be very painful during the blistering stage. Over-the-counter treatments for the pain of a recurring shingles rash include aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. In addition, cool wet compresses of a vinegar and water solution can alleviate pain in the affected area.

Itching

• Itching can begin before the rash even emerges in a shingles outbreak. Applying a hydrocortisone cream can help with the itching of a shingles rash. Diphenhydramine, a common antihistamine, is also an effective treatment for itching. Finally, taking a cool bath sprinkled with baking soda or finely ground oatmeal is a way to soothe the itching of a shingles rash.