
Must Read Articles:
-
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. -
Shingles Symptoms and Treatment
Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Postherpetic neuralgia is chronic pain lasting more than six weeks after the onset of shingles. -
Skin Biopsy
A skin biopsy is a test in which a doctor cuts a small sample of a patient's skin to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including bacterial or fungal infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other skin problems. -
Pain Medications
The effects of pain medication are different for each person. Pain also varies in tolerance as well from person to person. There are several different pain medications such as NSAIDS, acetaminophen, and narcotics. The most commonly prescribed narcotics are morphine (MS Contin, Avinza, Kadain, Oramorph), oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, M-oxy, ETH-Oxydose, Oxyfast, OxylR), fentanyl (Duragesic, Fentanyl Patch), oxymorphone (Opana), and methadone (Methadose) Narcotic pain medications can lead to physical addiction. Symptoms of physical addiction to narcotics include flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bone aches, feeling like you are "crawling out of your skin," goose bumps, chills, tremor, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are all medical concerns and should be treated medically.
Featured:

Expert Views and News
- Newer Shingles Vaccine Cheaper, More Effective
- Shingles Vaccine May Be OK for Autoimmune Patients
- FDA Approves Horizant for Post-Shingles Pain
- Risk of Shingles Recurrence Is Low
- Shingles Vaccine Deemed Safe in Large Study
- Shingles Vaccine OK at Age 50 and Up
- Pump Away Shingles Pain?
- Arthritis Treatments Raise Shingles Risk
- FDA Panel Backs Shingles Vaccine
- Best Treatments for Lasting Shingles Pain
Shingles Topic Guide - Visuals
Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:
-
Quiz
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Quiz
-
Quiz
-
Slideshow
-
Quiz
Shingles Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:

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

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Capsaicin is used in medicated creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain./...learn more »

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 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 »

Famciclovir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles.
learn more »
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 (for the skin) is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat skin symptoms caused by the herpes virus...learn more »

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 »

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Capsaicin is used in medicated creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain./...learn more »

Varicella zoster (commonly known as chickenpox) is a common childhood disease that causes fever, skin rash, and a breakout of fluid-filled blisters on the sk...learn more »

Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.
learn more »
Morphine is an opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Short-acting morphine is taken as needed for pain.
learn more »
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression...learn more »

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »

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

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 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 »