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Health Encyclopedia: Shingles And Chickenpox (Varicella Zoster Virus) Treatment For An Acute Shingles Attack

Treatment for an Acute Shingles Attack

The treatment goals for an acute attack of herpes zoster include:

Reduce pain
Reduce discomfort
Hasten healing of blisters
Prevent the disease from spreading

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies are often effective in reducing the pain of an attack. Antiviral drugs (acyclovir and others), oral corticosteroids, or both are sometimes given to patients with severe symptoms, particularly if they are older and at risk for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). In addition, psycholo...

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Expert & Community Posts

Take a Peek at my Sharepost on the Anxiety Connection

By healthgal , Health Expert

It's all about shingles (herpes zoster) and how stress can "bring it on." Check it out at... Read more »

RA Brings an Increased Risk of Chickenpox and Shingles

By Christine Miller , Health Expert

...as likely to develop herpes zoster (also known as shingles) as people without RA. This large,... Read more »

Herpes Vaccine Underutilized

By Christina Lasich, MD , Health Expert

...and meant to prevent reoccurrence in the form of shingles. In fact, 98% of adults are infected... Read more »

Topical Pain Medications: Which Ones Do the Job?

By Dr. Mark Borigini , Health Expert

...capsaicin must be used regularly to provide continued pain relief. Patients should be warned... Read more »

Should patients who have heart disease take vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, and shingles?

By Dr. Larry Weinrauch , Health Expert

...discovered, most people with pneumonia died. The shingles (Herpes zoster) vaccine is new. The... Read more »

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Health Guide

Shingles and Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus): Risk Factors

...different in both diseases.Both the active varicella and zoster form of the virus can cause chickenpox.The shingles virus in its latent (inactive) form is never infectious.Catching Chickenpox.... Read more »

Shingles and Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus): Diagnosis

Both chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (zoster) can usually be diagnosed by symptoms alone. If a diagnosis is still unclear after a physical examination, diagnostic tests may be... Read more »

Shingles and Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus): Treatment for Postherpetic Neuralgia

...NeuralgiaTopical Pain Relievers. Creams, patches, or gels containing various substances can provide some pain relief.Lidocaine and Other Anesthetic Patches. A patch that contains the anesthetic... Read more »

Shingles and Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus): Highlights

...are at high risk of contracting chickenpox should also receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine.Shingles VaccineIn 2006, the FDA approved the first shingles vaccine (Zostavax). The CDC now... Read more »

Shingles and Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster Virus): Introduction

Shingles and chickenpox were once considered separate disorders. Researchers now know that they are both caused by a single virus of the herpes family known as varicella-zoster virus... Read more »

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