HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Shingles Be Treated?

Hi...I am currently taking acyclovir (800mg 5x daily since Saturday)for shingles. It does not seem to be helping at all...in fact, the blisters are increasing and spreading. I am a 58 year old female in good health, with hypertension well controlled by medication. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Tue, 14 Feb 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear
I understand your concern
Shingles is caused by herpes zoster virus infection.
It is self limited disease and recovery occur in 2-3 weeks.
Antiviral medication will help in reduce severity and prevent complication/recurrence.
Following treatment will help you:

Initially treatment:
1. Anti viral medication:Acyclovir/gancyclovir
2. Pain medication: acetaminophen
3. You can use following Topical treatment
- Neosporine ointment
- Calamine lotion
- Capsaicin cream

If pain not relieved after month:
Antidepressant: Amitryptaline
Topical anesthetic: Benzocaine or lidocaine
Opioids and caffeine can be used.

Cool water bath
Wet compression also helpful
Hope this may help you.
Best regards
Dr. Sagar
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Shingles Be Treated?

Hello dear I understand your concern Shingles is caused by herpes zoster virus infection. It is self limited disease and recovery occur in 2-3 weeks. Antiviral medication will help in reduce severity and prevent complication/recurrence. Following treatment will help you: Initially treatment: 1. Anti viral medication:Acyclovir/gancyclovir 2. Pain medication: acetaminophen 3. You can use following Topical treatment - Neosporine ointment - Calamine lotion - Capsaicin cream If pain not relieved after month: Antidepressant: Amitryptaline Topical anesthetic: Benzocaine or lidocaine Opioids and caffeine can be used. Cool water bath Wet compression also helpful Hope this may help you. Best regards Dr. Sagar