So you have noticed a rash on your body and that does not seem quite right? Chances are if you are in your fifties and older, you have shingles. Typically the rash presents in a band or strip on the torso and becomes blisters as the virus burns itself out. The rash is painful to the touch as it attacks the nerves in the body. Unfortunately for the person who contracts shingles, there is no treatment that will get rid of the virus, but we can explore options for successful shingles treatment recovery. Indeed we can try to be as diligent as we can to protect ourselves from shingles. There is a shingles vaccine that is administered by your general practitioner, make sure that you discuss this option with your doctor, especially if you have a susceptible or weakened immune system.
Those with a positive diagnosis of shingles will want to discuss with their doctor about a successful shingles treatment course. As shingles is caused by the herpes virus, antibiotics are pretty much useless in treatment, but most doctors will prescribe their patients simple NSAID pain relievers to alleviate itchiness and pain in the affected areas. Cool compresses can also aid in pain relief, as well as applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the affected areas. The shingles vaccine is also an effective preventive measure. Make sure to talk with your doctor about the course of treatment that’s best for you.
Patients receiving shingles treatment from their doctor, should be careful not to come into contact with those who have not had the chickenpox (or varicella), as they can contract it from a person with shingles. This includes those with suppressed immune systems, such as young children, pregnant women and those with auto immune diseases such as AIDS or lupus. The most effective shingles treatment is to be vaccinated by your doctor to prevent an outbreak if you are particularly susceptible because of age or other factors.
Prevention is key to preventing shingles from happening, so you should do your utmost to keep your immune system functional and at its optimum. Exercise, eat healthy, wash hands frequently and ask your doctor for the shingles vaccine. All these are excellent ways to protect yourself from getting an outbreak of shingles. There are many ways to treat shingles, but ultimately we need to remember that it is a virus and will take time to burn itself out. Patients should educate themselves to recognize the rash on their bodies, see their doctor immediately if they suspect they may have shingles and take steps to make sure they have effective pain relief. Shingles vaccine and shingles treatment have come a long way in the last few decades and researchers continue to develop new treatments and vaccines for the disease. Patients can talk to their doctor to form the most effective course of treatment for them.