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Shingles Topic Guide

Shingles Shingles:

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Initially, the virus causes chickenpox. The virus remains dormant in the body until the virus is reactivated by a trigger such as stress, fatigue, cancer, radiation treatments, injury, HIV/AIDS, or a weakened immune system. Symptoms include pain in a broad band on one side of the body, fever, chills, headache, itching, and a red, raised rash. Treatment may incorporate pain medication, applying cool compresses, and avoiding skin-to-skin contact with others.

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Chickenpox
Chickenpox Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious infection that typically affects children. Symptoms and signs include an itchy red blistering rash that forms first on the torso and then spreads to the extremities. Treatment may incorporate Tylenol or Advil for fever, IV fluids for dehydration, antibiotics for bacterial skin infections, calamine lotion, cool compresses and baths, and Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec for itch relief.

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Shingles Topic Guide - Visuals

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Shingles Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

zoster vaccine live Zoster Vaccine Live

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus (varicella) that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause her...learn more »

pregabalin Pregabalin

Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also aff...learn more »

valacyclovir Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection...learn more »

famciclovir Famciclovir

Famciclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famciclovir will not cure ...learn more »

calamine (topical) Calamine (topical)

Calamine is an anti-itch medicine that works by causing a cooling sensation as it evaporates on your skin. Calamine also dries oozing or weeping from minor s...learn more »

acyclovir topical Acyclovir Topical

Acyclovir topical (for the skin) is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection...learn more »

gabapentin Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures ...learn more »

oxycodone Oxycodone

Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication, sometimes called a narcotic. Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

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morphine Morphine

Morphine is an opioid pain medication, sometimes called a narcotic...learn more »

amitriptyline Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression...learn more »

acetaminophen (oral/rectal) Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)

There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »

naproxen Naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Naproxen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body...learn more »

ibuprofen Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body...learn more »

acyclovir (injection) Acyclovir (injection)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herp...learn more »

acyclovir (oral) Acyclovir (oral)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the sympto...learn more »