How can you effectively treat shingles at home. What are the best over-the-counter medications for shingles relief. Is it possible to prevent shingles outbreaks. What alternative treatments show promise for managing shingles symptoms.

Understanding Shingles: Causes and Symptoms

Shingles, a painful condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, affects approximately 1 million people in the United States annually. This virus, which initially causes chickenpox, can lie dormant in nerve tissues for years before reactivating and causing shingles. The primary symptom is a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment. If you suspect you have shingles, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly, ideally within 72 hours of symptom onset, to maximize treatment effectiveness.

Antiviral Medications: The First Line of Defense

Antiviral medications play a pivotal role in managing shingles infections. These drugs work by slowing down the progression of the rash and reducing the risk of complications. Healthcare providers often prescribe one of the following antivirals:

• Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

When administered early in the course of the infection, these medications can significantly shorten the duration of the outbreak and alleviate symptoms. However, it’s essential to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any antiviral treatment.

How do antiviral medications work against shingles?

Antiviral medications target the varicella-zoster virus directly, inhibiting its ability to replicate and spread. By interfering with the virus’s reproductive cycle, these drugs help contain the infection and reduce the severity of symptoms. Additionally, early antiviral treatment may decrease the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia, a painful complication that can persist long after the rash has healed.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Options

Managing the pain and inflammation associated with shingles is a crucial aspect of treatment. Several over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can provide significant relief:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

These medications not only help alleviate discomfort but may also play a role in preventing postherpetic neuralgia. It’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Are topical pain relief options effective for shingles?

In addition to oral pain relievers, topical treatments can offer localized relief for shingles pain. Capsaicin cream, derived from chili peppers, has shown promise in managing nerve pain associated with shingles. However, it’s crucial to apply it carefully, avoiding contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Lidocaine, available in various forms such as creams, lotions, patches, and sprays, can provide numbing relief to affected areas.

Prescription Medications for Severe Cases

For individuals experiencing severe pain or complications, healthcare providers may prescribe additional medications:

1. Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications, including amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor), can help manage lingering pain after the rash has healed.
2. Antibiotics: In cases where bacterial infections complicate the shingles outbreak, antibiotics may be necessary.
3. Stronger pain medications: For intense pain that doesn’t respond to OTC options, prescription pain relievers might be considered.

It’s important to note that these medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they may have significant side effects or interactions with other drugs.

Alternative and Complementary Treatments

While scientific evidence is still emerging, several alternative treatments have shown potential in managing shingles symptoms:

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This therapy uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine: Practices such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping may offer relief for some individuals.
• Natural topical treatments: Certain substances, like manuka honey or papain (from papayas), are being studied for their potential benefits in shingles treatment.

It’s crucial to approach alternative treatments with caution and always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating them into your shingles management plan. While some may offer relief, they should not replace conventional medical treatments.

Can dietary supplements help in managing shingles?

The role of dietary supplements in shingles management is an area of ongoing research. While some supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, have been suggested to support immune function and potentially aid in recovery, scientific evidence for their efficacy in treating shingles is limited. It’s essential to discuss any supplement use with a healthcare provider, as some may interact with medications or have unintended effects.

Self-Care Strategies for Shingles Relief

In addition to medical treatments, several self-care measures can help manage shingles symptoms and promote healing:

1. Keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections.
2. Avoid scratching or bursting blisters to minimize scarring and reduce infection risk.
3. Apply cool compresses to soothe the rash and relieve itching.
4. Take oatmeal baths to calm irritated skin.
5. Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce friction on the rash.

These simple strategies can significantly improve comfort and support the healing process. However, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, medical treatments prescribed by a healthcare provider.

How can stress management impact shingles recovery?

Stress reduction plays a crucial role in managing shingles and supporting overall health. High stress levels can weaken the immune system, potentially exacerbating shingles symptoms or prolonging recovery. Incorporating stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga into your daily routine may help support your body’s healing process and improve overall well-being during a shingles outbreak.

Shingles Prevention: Vaccines and Risk Reduction

Prevention is a key aspect of shingles management, particularly for individuals at higher risk. The shingles vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing outbreaks and reducing the severity of symptoms if an outbreak does occur. Currently, the CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine for adults 50 years and older, including those who have previously received the older Zostavax vaccine.

The Shingrix vaccine is administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart, and has shown high efficacy in preventing shingles and its complications. However, certain individuals should consult their healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine, including:

• Those with a current shingles outbreak
• Pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant
• People with weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions or treatments

In addition to vaccination, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports immune function can help reduce the risk of shingles reactivation. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in nutrients, adequate sleep, and stress management.

Can certain foods or nutrients help prevent shingles outbreaks?

While no specific diet has been proven to prevent shingles, a nutrient-rich diet that supports overall immune function may help reduce the risk of outbreaks. Foods high in vitamins A, B6, C, and E, as well as zinc and other antioxidants, are believed to support immune health. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet can provide these essential nutrients. Additionally, maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for overall health and may support the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Long-Term Management and Postherpetic Neuralgia

For some individuals, the pain associated with shingles can persist long after the rash has healed, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Managing this chronic pain requires a comprehensive approach:

1. Continued pain management: This may include both OTC and prescription medications, as well as topical treatments.
2. Physical therapy: Certain exercises and techniques can help manage pain and improve function.
3. Psychological support: Chronic pain can have significant emotional impacts, and counseling or support groups may be beneficial.
4. Alternative therapies: Some individuals find relief through acupuncture, biofeedback, or other complementary treatments.

Working closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized long-term management plan is crucial for individuals experiencing persistent pain after shingles.

How does postherpetic neuralgia differ from acute shingles pain?

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is characterized by persistent pain in the area affected by shingles, even after the rash and blisters have healed. Unlike the acute pain of an active shingles outbreak, PHN can last for months or even years. The pain associated with PHN is often described as burning, stabbing, or throbbing and can be triggered by even light touch or temperature changes. This chronic condition can significantly impact quality of life and may require different treatment approaches compared to acute shingles pain.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments

The field of shingles treatment and prevention is continually evolving, with ongoing research into new therapies and improved management strategies. Some areas of current investigation include:

• Novel antiviral medications with improved efficacy and fewer side effects
• Advanced pain management techniques for both acute shingles and postherpetic neuralgia
• Improved vaccine formulations to enhance protection and reduce side effects
• Targeted therapies to support nerve healing and regeneration

As research progresses, individuals affected by shingles may have access to more effective treatment options and preventive measures in the future. Staying informed about these developments and discussing them with healthcare providers can help ensure access to the most current and effective treatments available.

What role might personalized medicine play in future shingles treatments?

Personalized medicine, which tailors medical treatment to an individual’s genetic profile and other unique characteristics, holds promise for improving shingles management. Future treatments may involve analyzing an individual’s genetic susceptibility to severe shingles outbreaks or postherpetic neuralgia, allowing for more targeted preventive strategies. Additionally, personalized approaches could help predict which treatments are most likely to be effective for a particular patient, minimizing trial and error in pain management and potentially improving outcomes.

As research in this field advances, it may become possible to develop more precise treatment plans that consider an individual’s specific risk factors, immune function, and response to various therapies. This personalized approach could lead to more effective prevention strategies and improved management of both acute shingles outbreaks and long-term complications.

Shingles Treatment, Medication, and Prevention: Pain Relief, Antiviral

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Antiviral Medications for Shingles
• Painkillers for Shingles
• Other Medications for Shingles
• Alternative Treatments for Shingles?
• Self-Care for Shingles
• Can I Prevent Shingles?
• Who Shouldn’t Get the Shingles Vaccine?
• More

The virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. It’s called varicella zoster. It can lie quietly in your nerves for decades after causing chickenpox but suddenly wake up and become active.

The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash that comes up on one side of your body or face. See your doctor as soon as you can if you think you might have this condition.

1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year, according to the CDC. There is a shingles vaccine for prevention.

Your doctor may want to put you on medications to control your infection and speed up healing, cut inflammation, and ease your pain. They include:

These medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash, especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms.

They can also lower your chance of having complications. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects to watch for if you take one of these drugs.

Shingles causes inflammation and pain. Your doctor can suggest over-the-counter medicines to relieve milder discomfort. They include:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

These may also help you stave off postherpetic neuralgia, which is a burning pain that some people get after the rash and blisters of shingles go away.

If you have severe pain after the rash clears or an infection during your shingles outbreak, your doctor might prescribe:

Capsaicin cream: Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

A numbing medicine: You might get lidocaine (Lidoderm, Xylocaine) for pain. It can come in a variety of forms, such as creams, lotions, patches, powders, and sprays, among others.

Antibiotics: You might need these medicines if bacteria infect your skin and rash. But if bacteria aren’t involved, then antibiotics won’t help.

Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications might help ease the pain that lingers after your skin has healed, such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). They may also help you with depression, if you have that in addition to shingles. Your doctor can tell you what the risks and benefits are.

Some studies show that various alternative treatments, from acupuncture to supplements, can offer relief. The research isn’t complete, but some show promise. Check with your doctor before you try any of these: 

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). This therapy uses tiny electrical pulses to relieve pain. A TENS unit is about the size of a smartphone and comes with small patches called electrodes. You put them over the painful area and turn the unit on and off as your pain comes and goes. 

Traditional Chinese medicine. These treatments aim to restore balance in your body. They include acupuncture, the ancient practice of inserting very thin needles into your skin at specific points. Also, moxibustion and cupping, two types of heat therapy, are supposed to draw out toxins. These treatments may be done in combination.

Creams and other skin treatments. A mixture of liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine, an antiviral drug, may reduce swelling and the number of blisters you have when you put it on your rash. And chlorophyll, the chemical that gives plants their green color, is also used directly on the rash as a cream or saline solution. 

Supplements. You’ll find a long list of herbs, pills, and oils that claim to relieve shingles. Most have no research to back them up, but there are a couple of exceptions. Papain, a protein found in papayas, is sold in capsules. And manuka and clover honeys can be put directly on your skin. Very early studies on both show they might be helpful. 

There aren’t home remedies for shingles. But there are things you can do to help your skin heal.

Keep the affected area clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.

The itching can be maddening at times, but try not to scratch or burst the blisters.

Soothe the rash. Your top priority is to find relief for the pain and itching that the rash causes. You might try:

1. Oatmeal baths. Dip into a cool tub of water. For extra relief, add colloidal oatmeal, which is made of oats that have been ground to a very fine powder. This soothing bath may help calm your itching.

2. Cold compresses. Run a washcloth under cool water and place it on your blisters for about 20 minutes at a time. Not only can this relieve itching, it also keeps your blisters clean. That can help you avoid a skin infection. If your blisters aren’t oozing anymore, stop using cold compresses. And if you are using any creams or patches on your rash, don’t use compresses at the same time.

3. Loose clothing. You’ll likely find that relaxed fits made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, give you more comfort. If you need to cover your blisters, avoid bandages that might stick to your rash.

4. Calamine lotion. Treat your skin with this smooth, cool, and soothing balm. 

Treat your body and mind. You can get worn down mentally when you’re in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but don’t stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well. 

Stick with good habits: Your body is working hard to fight the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. To give it the right support, you can:

• Eat nutritious food and have regular meals. Ask someone to make a run to the grocery store for fresh fruit and such if you’re not up for it.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep and rest anytime you need to.
• Do gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching. Light activity can help take your mind off the pain. Keep it simple though, and check with your doctor if you’re trying something new.

Distract yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try:

• Call a friend.
• Listen to music that relaxes you.
• Read a book.
• Watch a favorite movie.
• Work on hobbies you enjoy.

Keep calm. Relaxation can be a big help. With a calmer mind, you can better handle your discomfort. You may want to try:

• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Walking (but keep your blisters covered)
• Yoga

Experiment with these strategies as you get through your shingles outbreak. Different things can help depending on how severe your symptoms are and how you feel from day to day.

There are two shingles vaccines. Shingrix is the recommended vaccine. Zostavax is no longer avilable in the U.S.

Who should get it: The CDC recommends that you get this vaccine if you’re a healthy adult age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox, because most people have been exposed to the virus. If you have had the Zostavax vaccine, you can also get Shingrix.

How many shots do you need? You would need two shots for Shingrix: One at first, with a follow-up in 2 to 6 months.

What it does: Shingrix reduces your chance of getting shingles by more than 90%. Even if you still get shingles, the vaccine may help it be less painful.

I never had chickenpox. Do I still need the shingles vaccine? Yes, you do. Shingrix is recommended for everyone age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox.

If I’ve had shingles, can I still get the vaccine? Yes. It may help prevent another bout of shingles later on. If you have shingles right now, you should wait until the rash is gone before you get vaccinated.

What are the side effects? The most common side effects with Shingrix include pain and swelling where the needle went in you skin, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, chills, fever, and stomach troubles. With any vaccine, there is a chance of a severe allergic reaction. 

Don’t get the Shingrix vaccine if:

• You’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You’re pregnant or nursing.
• You have tested negative for immunity to the chickenpox virus. Ask your doctor about the chickenpox vaccine instead.
• You have shingles now.

Top Picks

Shingles Treatment, Medication, and Prevention: Pain Relief, Antiviral

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Antiviral Medications for Shingles
• Painkillers for Shingles
• Other Medications for Shingles
• Alternative Treatments for Shingles?
• Self-Care for Shingles
• Can I Prevent Shingles?
• Who Shouldn’t Get the Shingles Vaccine?
• More

The virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. It’s called varicella zoster. It can lie quietly in your nerves for decades after causing chickenpox but suddenly wake up and become active.

The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash that comes up on one side of your body or face. See your doctor as soon as you can if you think you might have this condition.

1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year, according to the CDC. There is a shingles vaccine for prevention.

Your doctor may want to put you on medications to control your infection and speed up healing, cut inflammation, and ease your pain. They include:

These medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash, especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms.

They can also lower your chance of having complications. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects to watch for if you take one of these drugs.

Shingles causes inflammation and pain. Your doctor can suggest over-the-counter medicines to relieve milder discomfort. They include:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

These may also help you stave off postherpetic neuralgia, which is a burning pain that some people get after the rash and blisters of shingles go away.

If you have severe pain after the rash clears or an infection during your shingles outbreak, your doctor might prescribe:

Capsaicin cream: Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

A numbing medicine: You might get lidocaine (Lidoderm, Xylocaine) for pain. It can come in a variety of forms, such as creams, lotions, patches, powders, and sprays, among others.

Antibiotics: You might need these medicines if bacteria infect your skin and rash. But if bacteria aren’t involved, then antibiotics won’t help.

Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications might help ease the pain that lingers after your skin has healed, such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). They may also help you with depression, if you have that in addition to shingles. Your doctor can tell you what the risks and benefits are.

Some studies show that various alternative treatments, from acupuncture to supplements, can offer relief. The research isn’t complete, but some show promise. Check with your doctor before you try any of these: 

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). This therapy uses tiny electrical pulses to relieve pain. A TENS unit is about the size of a smartphone and comes with small patches called electrodes. You put them over the painful area and turn the unit on and off as your pain comes and goes. 

Traditional Chinese medicine. These treatments aim to restore balance in your body. They include acupuncture, the ancient practice of inserting very thin needles into your skin at specific points. Also, moxibustion and cupping, two types of heat therapy, are supposed to draw out toxins. These treatments may be done in combination.

Creams and other skin treatments. A mixture of liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine, an antiviral drug, may reduce swelling and the number of blisters you have when you put it on your rash. And chlorophyll, the chemical that gives plants their green color, is also used directly on the rash as a cream or saline solution. 

Supplements. You’ll find a long list of herbs, pills, and oils that claim to relieve shingles. Most have no research to back them up, but there are a couple of exceptions. Papain, a protein found in papayas, is sold in capsules. And manuka and clover honeys can be put directly on your skin. Very early studies on both show they might be helpful. 

There aren’t home remedies for shingles. But there are things you can do to help your skin heal.

Keep the affected area clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.

The itching can be maddening at times, but try not to scratch or burst the blisters.

Soothe the rash. Your top priority is to find relief for the pain and itching that the rash causes. You might try:

1. Oatmeal baths. Dip into a cool tub of water. For extra relief, add colloidal oatmeal, which is made of oats that have been ground to a very fine powder. This soothing bath may help calm your itching.

2. Cold compresses. Run a washcloth under cool water and place it on your blisters for about 20 minutes at a time. Not only can this relieve itching, it also keeps your blisters clean. That can help you avoid a skin infection. If your blisters aren’t oozing anymore, stop using cold compresses. And if you are using any creams or patches on your rash, don’t use compresses at the same time.

3. Loose clothing. You’ll likely find that relaxed fits made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, give you more comfort. If you need to cover your blisters, avoid bandages that might stick to your rash.

4. Calamine lotion. Treat your skin with this smooth, cool, and soothing balm.  

Treat your body and mind. You can get worn down mentally when you’re in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but don’t stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well. 

Stick with good habits: Your body is working hard to fight the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. To give it the right support, you can:

• Eat nutritious food and have regular meals. Ask someone to make a run to the grocery store for fresh fruit and such if you’re not up for it.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep and rest anytime you need to.
• Do gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching. Light activity can help take your mind off the pain. Keep it simple though, and check with your doctor if you’re trying something new.

Distract yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try:

• Call a friend.
• Listen to music that relaxes you.
• Read a book.
• Watch a favorite movie.
• Work on hobbies you enjoy.

Keep calm. Relaxation can be a big help. With a calmer mind, you can better handle your discomfort. You may want to try:

• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Walking (but keep your blisters covered)
• Yoga

Experiment with these strategies as you get through your shingles outbreak. Different things can help depending on how severe your symptoms are and how you feel from day to day.

There are two shingles vaccines. Shingrix is the recommended vaccine. Zostavax is no longer avilable in the U.S.

Who should get it: The CDC recommends that you get this vaccine if you’re a healthy adult age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox, because most people have been exposed to the virus. If you have had the Zostavax vaccine, you can also get Shingrix.

How many shots do you need? You would need two shots for Shingrix: One at first, with a follow-up in 2 to 6 months.

What it does: Shingrix reduces your chance of getting shingles by more than 90%. Even if you still get shingles, the vaccine may help it be less painful.

I never had chickenpox. Do I still need the shingles vaccine? Yes, you do. Shingrix is recommended for everyone age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox.

If I’ve had shingles, can I still get the vaccine? Yes. It may help prevent another bout of shingles later on. If you have shingles right now, you should wait until the rash is gone before you get vaccinated.

What are the side effects? The most common side effects with Shingrix include pain and swelling where the needle went in you skin, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, chills, fever, and stomach troubles. With any vaccine, there is a chance of a severe allergic reaction. 

Don’t get the Shingrix vaccine if:

• You’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You’re pregnant or nursing.
• You have tested negative for immunity to the chickenpox virus. Ask your doctor about the chickenpox vaccine instead.
• You have shingles now.

Top Picks

Treatment of herpes zoster in Moscow – Effective methods of treatment of herpes zoster in the H-Clinic

The manifestation of the disease occurs after infection or due to the fact that the hidden virus “awakens” that remains in the body after suffering chicken pox. In this case, the reactivation of the infection is provoked by internal and external factors that contribute to a decrease in immunity. For example, hypothermia, HIV infection, the appearance and growth of malignant tumors, metabolic disorders, etc.

The occurrence of lichen most often occurs in the autumn-spring period, with the onset of the season of colds. At this time, the immunity of each person becomes the most vulnerable. In the presence of chronic diseases and concomitant pathologies, the likelihood of contracting the herpes zoster virus increases several times. As a rule, adult patients apply for the treatment of shingles on the skin. For children, this infection is atypical.

How to treat herpes zoster

Outpatient treatment for the diagnosis of “shingles” involves an integrated approach and includes both different methods of therapy, as well as various methods and means of recovery from the disease. With timely treatment and compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis for this disease is favorable. The exceptions are severe complications of type 3 herpes, which include meningoencephalitis and gangrenous form. The latter is typical for elderly and debilitated patients.

The course of effective treatment for shingles includes drugs to support immunity, as well as antiviral agents. To date, there are many high-quality drugs, but it is important to understand that the degree of effectiveness of all therapy largely depends on the time the patient seeks help. The factor “when the treatment was started” plays an important role in this matter.

To normalize metabolic processes, support the immune system and feel good, vitamins B1, B6, B12, ascorbic acid, rutin and antihistamines are prescribed.

Pain in shingles is relieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. Forms of the disease complicated by a secondary infection or comorbidities require the inclusion of broad-spectrum antibiotics in therapy.

In addition, the methods of treatment of herpes zoster used in the complex course include physiotherapeutic agents:

• Ultraviolet irradiation;
• Electrophoresis;
• Microwave irradiation of lesions;
• UHF and others

Local treatment of herpes zoster on the face, neck, or back involves spot treatment with interferon lotions, antiviral ointments, and other agents that promote faster recovery. Such a combined scheme is especially effective with frequent recurrences of this infection. Anti-relapse therapy can also be prescribed outside of lichen exacerbation.

Terms of treatment

The duration of therapy for herpes zoster largely depends on the severity of the disease and the presence of complications. A significant factor in this matter is the patient’s immune status, the presence of chronic diseases, the body’s reaction to the development of infection. Treatment of herpes with antiviral and antibacterial drugs usually lasts 7-10 days, however, with severe lesions, in particular with the gangrenous form of the disease, the duration of the course may increase. It is impossible to name the exact terms in the treatment of herpes zoster in HIV-infected patients – the effectiveness of therapy in this case depends heavily on the individual reaction of the body. The doctor will be able to announce the approximate duration of taking medications and undergoing additional medical procedures only after examining and studying the patient’s history.

Where to treat shingles in Moscow

In Moscow, lichen and other infectious diseases are treated by experts at the H-Clinic. Here you can undergo a comprehensive diagnosis of herpes, get recommendations and qualified assistance in the treatment of herpes infection. After completing the course of therapy and eliminating the external signs of the disease, the patient is treated by specialists in related areas, in particular, a neurologist who is working to eliminate neurological symptoms caused by herpes zoster.

You can make an appointment with the infectious disease specialists of the H-Clinic by calling +7 (495) 120-42-12. You can also check the cost of clinic services by the specified number. Your appeal at any stage of the diagnosis and treatment of herpes, if necessary, can be anonymous.

Services and prices

Name/Price

Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist

4,000 ₽

Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist, PhD / MD

5 000 ₽

Reception (examination, consultation) of an infectious disease specialist, primary doctor of medical sciences, senior researcher, ch. doctor

7 000 ₽

Appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist primary, family

7,000 ₽

Reception (examination, consultation) of an infectious disease specialist, primary, family, PhD / MD

7 500 ₽

Reception (examination, consultation) of an infectious disease specialist, primary, family, c.m.s. / d.m.s., senior researcher, ch. doctor

11 000 ₽

Appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist at home

15,000 ₽

Appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist at home (outside the Moscow Ring Road)

20 000 ₽

Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with an infectious disease specialist

3,500 ₽

Services for the medical rehabilitation of a patient with diseases of the nervous system, kinesio taping 3 zones

2 500 ₽

Reception (examination, consultation) of an infectious disease specialist repeated, c.