Shingles - What You Need to Know - Drugs. com What is shingles? Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus This is the same virus that causes chickenpox The virus stays in your body after you have chickenpox, without causing any symptoms Shingles occurs when the virus becomes active again
Shingles (herpes zoster) Guide: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options Bell's palsy — Shingles can cause Bell's palsy, in which a facial nerve is paralyzed Symptoms Shingles usually begins with a burning sensation, a mild itching or tingling or a shooting pain in a specific area of skin The affected area usually is located only on one side of the chest, abdomen, or face, or on a portion of an arm or leg
Everything You Need to Know About Shingles the Shingles Vaccine While symptoms subside after three to five weeks, pain can sometimes return in the form of postherpetic neuralgia, he said This long-term nerve pain occurs where the shingles rash appeared and can last for months or even years Older adults are more likely to develop postherpetic neuralgia and have longer lasting and more severe pain, Fellin said
Can I use hydrocortisone cream on shingles rash? - Drugs. com The shingles rash is contagious until all the blisters have scabbed over and are dry If the blisters are covered with a dressing, it is unlikely that the virus will pass on to others In general, it is best to avoid applying lotions or creams (eg, moisturizer) to the affected area, as this can further irritate the skin
Acyclovir Patient Tips: 7 things you should know - Drugs. com Acyclovir may be used in the treatment of herpes zoster virus (shingles) Acyclovir does not completely rid the body of the herpes zoster virus Acyclovir may be used to treat initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes Acyclovir does not cure genital herpes or completely rid the body of the herpes virus
Valacyclovir Patient Tips: 7 things you should know - Drugs. com Even if symptoms fully abate, valacyclovir should be taken until the prescribed course has been completed Best started within 24-48 hours of symptom onset For recurrent episodes of genital herpes, therapy should be initiated within 24 hours of the onset of signs or symptoms; efficacy has not been proven if started after this time 7 Interactions
Acyclovir Uses, Dosage Side Effects - Drugs. com It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus in the body Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox Sitavig buccal tablets are for use in treating only cold sores on the lips
Valacyclovir Uses, Dosage, Side Effects - Drugs. com What other drugs will affect valacyclovir? Valacyclovir can harm your kidneys This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine for high blood pressure, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines