Dealing with Shingles Pain

Aug 8, 2016

Dealing with Shingles Pain

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One out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime, and more than 1 million people suffer from the virus each year. While this virus is common and not particularly dangerous, the pain that coincides with shingles should not be taken lightly.

Shingles affect most individuals for a span of three to five weeks, but to ensure that the virus isn’t present more than two months, it’s important to manage the pain in a timely manner. If the pain continues on, it may cause serious nerve damage for the senior, and cause pain that persists for months or even years.

Medications to Treat Shingles Pain

Shingles pain and symptoms vary from person to person, but because of the severe pain that comes with shingles, most physicians are quick to prescribe pain medication to those who believe that it is necessary. For mild to moderate pain, physicians will ask patients to manage their symptoms by taking ibuprofen or any other medication with acetaminophen, antiviral medications and/or topical antibiotics in the form of creams or gels.

For more severe pain, physicians may prescribe opioids like Tramadol, codeine, oxycodone or other similar medications. If a senior chooses this treatment option, it is important that the physician has knowledge of all other medications that the individual is taking.

If pain continues, and the shingles virus turns into post-herpetic neuralgia, physicians may administer nerve-blocking injections, or recommend that the senior see a pain management specialist.

5 At-Home Shingles Treatments

While medications typically prove to be the most helpful when it comes to relieving the pain of shingles, there are other treatments seniors can choose to use alongside or in place of their medications. Here is a list of some of the most common and beneficial home remedies used for treating the pain of shingles:

1. Take a Cool Bath

Those suffering from shingles typically report a burning feeling that comes along with the blisters, and sitting in a cool bath can help relieve the pain. If a senior chooses this method, he or she should ensure that the water is not too cold, but still cool enough to not irritate the infected area.

2. Take an Oatmeal Bath

Add colloidal oatmeal to a cool or lukewarm bath. This will help heal the areas of skin that have blisters or open wounds. Be sure that the water is not too hot, for this will be painful and further irritate the skin.

3. Use Natural Pain Relievers

Using plant based pain relievers are a natural alternative to prescription medications that a doctor may prescribe. This is typically best for seniors with mild shingles pain, and should not be used in place of physician recommendations.

4. Use Soothing, Non-Scented Lotions

Calamine lotion or similar products help relieve itchy and burning skin. Seniors should be cautious when applying lotions, for scented lotions or lotions with artificial coloring might further irritate the skin rashes.

5. Apply a Cool Compress to Irritated Areas

This is a simple and easy way to provide temporary relief to especially bothersome areas of the skin. Seniors should be sure to wash any towels or washcloths that come into direct contact with the rash before using them again.

Home remedies should be used to relieve and limit the pain of shingles. While some of the treatments listed above are effective in alleviating pain, they should not be used in place of the medications recommended by a physician. Shingles are common, but the virus can cause further help complications if it is not treated properly and the pain isn’t managed. Seniors should seek the advice of a physician if they believe they are developing symptoms of shingles.

Dealing with Shingles Pain
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