Treatment of shingles: Pain medication and antivirals

The purpose of treatment is to prevent the virus from multiplying. Therefore, antivirals are administered. However, they do not completely destroy the virus, but suppress it, reduce the severity of the symptoms, the occurrence of complications and shorten the overall duration of treatment.

Aciclovir, famciclovir, amantadine are just some of them.

Analgesic treatment relieves pain. Opiates for severe pain that are not covered by common analgesics.

Corticosteroids help relieve pain and shorten the duration of treatment. They must be combined with an antiviral. Neuralgia may need to be treated later.

It is important to treat herpes defects and to prevent their secondary infection by bacteria. The wound must be clean and covered. Various ointments, creams, gels or patches are used. Their effect is that of pain relief, healing and a local antiseptic.

It is recommended to increase the intake of vitamins or start an enzyme therapy with immunomodulatory solutions.

Tricyclic antidepressants are also used for long-term treatment. They alleviate long-term neuralgia or depression. Depending on the occurrence of complications, special treatment is chosen.

Herpes zoster on the back — Treatment is intended to prevent the spread, progression and complications of the disease. Shingles on the back. Photo: Getty images

Herpes Zoster Vaccination

Vaccination has been around for a long time. It helps to reduce the incidence of the disease and reduce the rate of consequences and complications, as in the case of postherpetic neuralgia.

An attenuated (with reduced virulence) vaccine, such as Zostavax, is safe to use. It is especially recommended for people over 50 years of age.

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Bc. Lukáš Tóth

Healthcare worker

The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.

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