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19 Treatments for Shingles

Tests

8	Prescribed Medications

2	Over the Counter Medications

Self Care

2	Herbs and Supplements

1	Alternative Procedures

Overview

Shingles almost always resolves spontaneously and may not require any treatment except for the relief of symptoms. In most people, the condition clears on its own in one or two weeks and seldom recurs. Cool, wet compresses may help reduce pain. If there are blisters or crusting,...[read article]

Treatment News for Shingles

Little Short-Term Risk of Repeat Bout of Shingles, Study Finds
TUESDAY, June 5 (HealthDay News) -- Older people who've had shingles have a relatively low short-te...
Children With Asthma at Higher Risk for Shingles: Study
MONDAY, March 5 (HealthDay News) -- Children with asthma have a higher risk for developing shingles...
Shingles Returns More Often Than Thought
TUESDAY, Feb. 8 (HealthDay News) -- Repeat cases of shingles may be more common than suspected, con...

Tests for Shingles

1. Skin Culture Test A skin culture is a test that is done to identify the microorganism (bacteria, fungus, or virus) causing a skin infection and to determine the antibiotic or other t... More
2. History and Physical Exam A physical examination is a routine test your doctor performs to check your overall health. It is also known as a wellness check. A physical examination helps your ... More
3. Tissue Culture A skin culture is used to test for germs that affect yourskin, fingernails,ortoenails. A skin culture might be called a mucosal culture if it involves the mucosa me... More
4. Herpes Simplex Type 1 Antibody Assay Test The serum herpes simplex antibodies test is designed to determine whether you have been infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This test does not actually ch... More
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Prescribed Medications for Shingles

1. acyclovir(Zovirax ) ACYCLOVIR (ay SYE kloe veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections in... More
2. valacyclovir(Valtrex ) VALACYCLOVIR (val ay SYE kloe veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infect... More
3. famciclovir(Famvir )
4. capsaicin topical(Capsaicin ) CAPSAICIN (cap SAY sin) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat pain in muscles or joints. More
5. predniSONE(Deltasone , others...) Close PREDNISONE (PRED ni sone) is a corticosteroid. It is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated inc... More
6. acyclovir injection(Zovirax , Acyclovir Sodium) ACYCLOVIR (ay SYE kloe veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections in... More
7. amitriptyline(Elavil , others...) Close This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. More
8. lidocaine topical(Lidoderm , others...) Close LIDOCAINE (LYE doe kane) is an anesthetic. It causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues. It is used to prevent and to treat pain from some procedur... More
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Over the Counter Medications for Shingles

1. capsaicin topical(Capzasin-P , others...) Close CAPSAICIN (cap SAY sin) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat pain in muscles or joints. More
2. lidocaine topical(Zilactin-L , others...) Close LIDOCAINE (LYE doe kane) is an anesthetic. It causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues. It is used to prevent and to treat pain from some procedur... More
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Self Care for Shingles

1. Apply Cold Compresses
2. Washing Blisters
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Herbs and Supplements for Shingles What's this?

1. dimethyl sulfoxide Dimethyl sulfoxide (C 2 H 6 OS), or DMSO, is a sulfur-containing organic compound. DMSO occurs naturally in vegetables, fruits, grains, and animal products. DMSO wa... More Efficacy Grade C
2. chlorophyllin Chlorophyll is a chemoprotein commonly known for its contribution to the green pigmentation in plants, and is related to protoheme, the red pigment of blood. It can... More Efficacy Grade C
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Alternative Procedures for Shingles What's this?

1. Acupuncture The practice of acupuncture originated in China 5,000 years ago. Today it is widely used throughout the world and is one of the main pillars of Chinese medicine. Th... More
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This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare professional with any health concerns you may have.

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