Shingles Treatment and Complications: Shingles can cause pain and rash, but symptoms can usually be controlled by pain medications and antiviral drugs. Learn about potential complications, treatment and prevention.
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Side Effects of Second Shingrix Shot Bad as First
There are two shingles vaccines (Shingrix and Zostavax) available for adults 50 years and older to reduce the chance of developing shingles. Shingrix, a two-dose shot, is preferred because it is more effective. People may have a worse reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or may have side effects from both doses -
How Long Does the Shingles Vaccine Last
Shingles is a painful belt-like patterned rash caused by varicella-zoster virus (a type of herpesvirus, the same virus that causes chickenpox). The best way to prevent shingles is vaccination, which lasts about four to five years. -
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. -
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. -
What Do the First Signs of Shingles Look Like
Shingles is a painful belt-like patterned rash caused by varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). The varicella-zoster virus is a type of herpesvirus. Shingles symptoms include unusual sensations such as tingling, itching, or burning in an area of skin on one side of the body; fever, headache, feeling unwell (malaise), and bands of blisters on the body.
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Shingles Treatment and Complications Topic Guide - Visuals
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Shingles Treatment and Complications Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Zoster Vaccine (inactivated)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 »
Zoster Vaccine LiveHerpes 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 »
PregabalinPregabalin 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 »
Hydrocortisone And Lidocaine TopicalHydrocortisone is a steroid that reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »
ValacyclovirValacyclovir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat or prevent herpes virus episodes, including genital herpes or shingles (herpes zoster) in adults....learn more »
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 »
GabapentinGabapentin is used together with other medicines to treat partial seizures in adults and children at least 3 years old.
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AmitriptylineAmitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat symptoms of depression...learn more »
Carbamazepine (oral)Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that is used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Carbamazepine is also ...learn more »
Acyclovir (injection)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 »
Shingles Treatment and Complications Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Chickenpox
Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious infection that typically affects children. Symptoms and signs include an itchy red blistering rash that forms firs...learn more »
Can You Get Shingles from Stress?
I've just been diagnosed with shingles. I've been really stressed out at work. Could that be the cause?learn more »