How to Get Shingles Pain Relief

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease caused by the virus known as varicella zoster

. After all symptoms of chickenpox disappear, the chickenpox virus may lie dormant in the part of the nerves next to the spinal cord. The virus can lie inactive for decades but it may become reactivated when a person's immunity is weakened. This results in a painful shingles outbreak. An important part of the treatment involves getting pain relief from shingles.

The varicella zoster virus usually lies inactive for many years but may become active again when a person's immune system is lowered. This often happens due to stress or illness. The virus multiplies and travels along the nerves to the skin. The result is a painful infection of the nerves called shingles. The area of skin associated with the affected nerves can also become infected and develop a rash.

The first symptom of shingles is pain in the affected area of the body. This is the result of damage and swelling of the nerves caused by the virus. When the virus reaches the skin, shingles rash develops on the skin. Shingles is usually confined to only one side of the body.

Pain relief from shingles may come from a combination of different methods. For mild pain, over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen may bring relief. A Lidoderm patch that contains the pain medication lidocaine may also provide fast relief. For more severe pain, steroids such as prednisone, opioid medication and tricyclic antidepressants can provide temporary pain relief for shingles.

Home remedies can also bring relief from shingles pain. A towel or washcloth dipped in cold water can be applied to the blisters to ease the discomfort. A starch bath will also help relieve the pain. Add a handful of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal to a tub of water and soak in it. This is an effective way to relieve pain for a shingles outbreak below the neck.

To soothe the pain and itching of shingles, an ice pack can be placed on the affected area. This will ease the itching and burning sensation. Washing the rash gently with a wet cloth and soap will also help dry the blisters. After washing and drying the blisters, apply calamine lotion on the shingles rash to provide pain relief.

These medications and treatments can be prescribed by your doctor to ensure shingles pain relief. The pain may last for months or even years in some people. In managing chronic shingles pain, you should never overuse pain killers to relieve the pain as this will cause more damage than benefit in the long run.

How to Get Shingles Pain Relief

By: Barb Hicks - Clivir Team

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