The best over-the-counter medicine for shingles typically varies depending on the severity of the condition. Generally, for mild cases, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective at helping to manage the pain associated with shingles.
Both medications can help ease pain and can be taken orally in either pill or liquid form. Additionally, topical creams, such as those containing capsaicin and methyl salicylate, may be used to help reduce pain and itching associated with shingles.
For more severe cases, antiviral medications, such as valacyclovir and famciclovir, can be prescribed by a doctor. These medications reduce healing time and may also help reduce the risk of complications with shingles.
What heals shingles quickly?
However there are several treatments that may help to reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms. A medical practitioner can prescribe anti-viral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir to help speed up the healing process.
Other medications like corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, preventive measures like using cool compresses, participating in stress-management activities, and getting plenty of rest may also help to lessen the symptoms.
Speak to a medical professional for more information about how to best speed up the healing process.
What cream can you put on shingles?
The main type of cream that is recommended for shingles sufferers is a topical anti-viral cream, such as aciclovir or penciclovir. These creams are thought to speed up recovery and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
They should be applied 5 times per day for 4 – 5 days until symptoms have completely gone. If you find applying the cream too painful, you can use a painkiller cream before applying the antiviral cream.
In addition to antiviral creams, your doctor may also recommend a topical steroid cream, such as 1% hydrocortisone, which may reduce the sensation of itching and burning. For severe pain, narcotic pain relief may be prescribed.
Finally, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry to help speed up healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Can shingles heal in a week?
No, it is not possible for shingles to heal in a week. Shingles typically causes a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body, most commonly on the torso, face, or scalp. The rash usually lasts between two and four weeks, and the pain of shingles can last even longer.
Shingles can be treated with antiviral medications, but these will not make the rash go away faster. It can still take at least one to two weeks for the rash and symptoms to completely disappear. It is also important to receive proper care during this time to lower your risk of infection and speed recovery.
This includes using a cool compress or cleaning the affected area to reduce itching and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to speak to a doctor if your symptoms worsen, as extremely painful rashes may require additional treatments.
What not to do when you have shingles?
When you have shingles, it is important that you take certain precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others or making your condition worse. Here are some important things not to do when you have shingles:
1. Avoid scratching or touching the rash, as this can spread the virus and cause further spread of the rash.
2. Avoid contact with other people, especially those with weakened immune systems such as infants and people with HIV/AIDS.
3. Do not share towels, linens or clothing with other people.
4. Take precautions when taking a bath or shower to avoid contaminating the water.
5. Avoid exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light as this can exacerbate the symptoms.
6. Do not use antibiotics to treat the condition as this will not help the rash. Instead, use antiviral medications to reduce the severity of the virus.
7. Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) as they can interact with the antivirals used to treat the condition.
8. Do not use any over-the-counter creams as they may not be safe for shingles.
9. Do not wait too long to seek medical attention, as some of the complications associated with shingles can be serious. If you have any doubt, or the symptoms become worse, seek medical advise as soon as possible.
Should I stay home if I have shingles?
If you have been diagnosed with shingles, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice and rest at home until you are feeling better. Staying home and limiting your contact with others is the best way to prevent shingles from spreading to others.
It is also important to make sure you practice good hygiene and keep the area around the rash covered. If you do need to go out while you have shingles, be sure to keep the rash covered and avoid activities or places where there are lots of people.
If you are experiencing a fever or pain, it is best to stay home and rest. You should also avoid any tasks that involve touching or irritating the rash. While at home, your doctor may suggest taking antiviral medicine, which can help reduce the length and severity of the illness.
Can you make shingles go away faster?
Yes, there are multiple ways to help get rid of shingles faster. Primarily, shingles can be treated with antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These drugs reduce the severity and duration of the infection.
You can also help speed up the healing process by getting plenty of rest and avoiding stress. A cool bath or shower may provide some temporary relief from the itching and pain caused by shingles. Avoiding tight clothing can also help relieve some discomfort.
Applying cool, wet compresses or taking an oatmeal bath can also provide some relief.
Taking OTC medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen may help to reduce inflammation and pain. Finally, there are also topical creams and ointments which can help counteract the rash and reduce irritation.
Examples include calamine lotion, lidocaine, capsaicin, and tea tree oil.
How long does it take to get over a mild case of shingles?
Most mild cases of shingles will improve within 3 to 5 weeks. During this time, symptoms such as skin rashes and itching may linger. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for lifestyle adjustments and taking prescribed medications so that you can recover more quickly.
Over the next few weeks, rest, stress reduction and a healthy diet will help your body heal. If you do not improve within three to five weeks, or if your symptoms become more severe, contact your doctor immediately.
How long does it take for shingles rash to break out?
It typically takes between two and four weeks for the shingles rash to break out after the initial infection. The time frame will be different depending on the individual, but it is estimated that the rash appears within three weeks after the virus enters the body.
During those first few weeks, the individual may experience other symptoms, such as headache, chills, fatigue, and sensitivity to light, before the rash appears. The shingles rash is a very distinctive rash that appears as a single stripe of raised dots along one side of the body or face.
What food is good for shingles recovery?
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can be beneficial for anyone recovering from shingles. Whole grain carbohydrates, such as oats and brown rice, provide energy while protein sources, such as lean meats, fish, and legumes, help to repair and rebuild tissue damaged by the virus.
Good fats like nuts, olive oil, and avocado can help reduce inflammation, while a variety of vegetables and fruits provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost immune function. Eating foods such as yogurt, which contain probiotics, can also benefit gut health and help reduce inflammation.
Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and low-sugar juices, can help keep the body hydrated, aiding in recovery.
Does bed rest help shingles?
Bed rest is not typically recommended as a treatment for shingles. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Although the virus is dormant in your body, it can reactivate due to various factors such as stress, a weak immune system, or aging.
Shingles usually affects a single area of the skin, causing a painful and itchy rash.
Traditional treatments for shingles include antiviral medications, pain killers, and topical ointments and creams. However, research suggests that bed rest may not be the best approach. Studies have shown that bed rest can contribute to an increased risk of developing certain secondary bacterial infections, including skin and wound infections.
A weakened immune system caused by prolonged rest can also put you at greater risk of complications.
If you have shingles, it is generally recommended that you stay active while managing your pain. Mild to moderate physical activity has been shown to help prevent the spread of an outbreak, reduce the duration of the infection, and potentially reduce the severity of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) symptoms.
Overall, bed rest is not recommended as a treatment for shingles. Instead, talk to your doctor about medications and lifestyle changes that can help reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing process.
What foods help with shingles?
Eating a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet can be one of the best ways to treat and manage shingles. To reduce inflammation, it’s important to focus on whole foods rather than processed foods, and prioritize nourishing proteins, whole grains and healthy fats.
Nourishing, nutrient-dense proteins such as wild-caught fish, grass-fed and/or pasture-raised lean meats, organic poultry, nuts, seeds and beans can help reduce inflammation associated with shingles.
Omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in wild-caught salmon, mackerel, herring and oysters, as well as walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds and eggs offer a valuable source of nutrition which has been linked to improved immune system health.
Whole grains such as wild rice, quinoa, oats, barley, millet and amaranth are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber and can help support satiety and healthy digestion. Including healthy fats such as avocadoes, olives, nuts and seeds, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and other cold-pressed vegetable oils can help reduce inflammation and provide important essential fatty acids.
In addition, adding fruit and vegetables to one’s diet can provide beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber to help counteract inflammation associated with shingles. Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as garlic, onion, ginger, cilantro and other spices can help support immune system health and build resilience.
What kind of ointment do you use for shingles?
If you have been diagnosed with shingles, it is important to consult with your physician or healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter or prescription medications, to ensure they are suitable for your condition.
Many people may use over-the-counter ointments, creams, or gels to reduce itching, pain, or other discomfort associated with shingles. These topical medications often contain topical anesthetics, which may help to reduce pain, or numbing agents, which can help to reduce itching and sensitivity.
Other possible active ingredients may include zinc oxide, colloidal oatmeal, aloe, menthol, or capsaicin.
In addition, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, to reduce any further discomfort and speed up the healing process.
Regardless of the type of medication that you decide to use, make sure that you use it as directed and observe any safety warnings on the label. Also, keep in mind that it may take 1-4 weeks (depending on the severity of your condition) in order to experience any relief when using ointments or antiviral medications.
What is the way to treat shingles at home?
Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Treatment of shingles at home includes taking pain medications as prescribed and keeping the affected area clean and dry.
It is also important to apply medicated ointments or creams to the affected area as directed. Other treatments include applying cool compresses to soothe the area, taking lukewarm baths, and avoiding direct sunlight.
It may also be helpful to reduce stress and get plenty of rest. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before self-treating shingles, as self-medicating may interfere with more effective treatments prescribed by a medical professional.
Additionally, using anti-viral medications can reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with shingles.
Is it OK to use hydrocortisone cream on shingles?
No, it is not recommended to use hydrocortisone cream on shingles. Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that can be used to treat skin inflammations and irritations, but it has not been tested as a treatment for shingles, and it can cause further irritation and make the rash worse.
It is important to see a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for shingles. Generally, a combination of antiviral medicines taken by mouth and over-the-counter (OTC) creams or ointments to reduce the itching are recommended.
Additionally, it is important to clean the skin and use cool compresses to reduce discomfort. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe stronger topical steroid creams or shots of corticosteroids. If a bacterial infection develops, antibiotics may be necessary.
