Early Treatment And Symptom Management For Shingles

Shingles, a painful viral infection, can be more manageable with early treatment and proper symptom management. Franciscan Physician Network doctor explains the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for shingles symptoms, available treatment options, and tips for relieving pain and discomfort.

How Serious Is Shingles?

While shingles is known for its painful skin rash and fluid-filled blisters, other complications can come with getting shingles.

Increased Heart Attack And Stroke Risk

People who've had a bout of shingles may face a heightened risk of heart attack or stroke in later years, suggests a large study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The study of more than 200,000 U.S. adults found that those who'd suffered a bout of shingles were up to 38% more likely to suffer a stroke in the next 12 years, versus those who'd remained shingles-free. Meanwhile, their risk of heart disease, which includes heart attack, was up to 25% higher.

According to the researchers, the reactivated chickenpox virus can get into the blood vessels, causing inflammation, and that could contribute to cardiovascular "events" like heart attack and stroke.

Eye Problems

In some cases, shingles affects the area around the eye — a condition called herpes zoster ophthalmicus — which can lead to serious problems like ulcers on the cornea and lasting vision loss.

Shingles eye disease, is linked to a greater risk of stroke in the short term, compared with milder shingles.

Nerve Pain

Between 10% and 18% of people with shingles develop a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is nerve pain that can last for months to years after the skin rash recedes.

Should I See A Doctor For Shingles?

Even patients who are tolerating their shingles pain well should see a physician at the first sign of the rash. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to rule out complications associated with the shingles virus.

“I always recommend patients come in early and discuss whether available antivirals are right for them, since these medications are more effective the earlier you start taking them after the initial presentation of the shingles rash,” Rajarajeswari Majety, MD, a Franciscan Health physician specializing in internal medicine and geriatric medicine in Crown Point.

“We can also assess for shingles complications like zoster ophthalmicus, determine if you are a patient who could be at higher risk for complications from shingles, and educate you on what to expect in the course of this condition,” she adds.

How Do You Treat Shingles?

To treat shingles, doctors will usually prescribe one of three antiviral medications -- acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir. These medications can reduce the duration of the shingles rash, decrease the severity of the rash and lower the risk of long-lasting complications.

However, to be effective, these medicines should be started within 72 hours of the first appearance of the shingles rash – or at least within a timeframe when new lesions are still actively appearing.

“If we can get you on it within 72 hours, that definitely speeds up the recovery and lessens the chance of getting that neurology of pain,” said Narayan Prabhakar, MD, a board-certified family medicine doctor practicing at Franciscan Physician Network in Dyer. “In some cases you can also do a course of steroids, but the key is the antiviral medicine.””

Your provider may also prescribe corticosteroids or topical numbing agents to ease skin pain associated with the virus.

Why Is Early Treatment Important For Shingles?

“The thing with shingles is if you don't treat it right away, it's not curable, but it's just that the medication helps cut down the symptoms,” Dr. Prabhakar said. “And also what's called post therapeutic neurology, which is pain you can get in the nerve endings from shingles, which can be debilitating in some cases, and that pain can go on for quite a few weeks.”

How Can You Care For Shingles Symptoms At Home?

At-home strategies for shingles care include:

• Cool compress
• Oatmeal baths to reduce skin irritation and pain
• Calamine lotion
• Tylenol or ibuprofen to manage discomfort

At home, patients can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen and use cold compresses and oatmeal baths to reduce skin irritation and pain.

By understanding the importance of early treatment and effective symptom management, you can significantly improve your recovery from shingles. Remember, if you experience symptoms of shingles, seek medical attention promptly.