How do you treat internal shingles?

The good news is that treatment options are available, with antiviral drugs such as Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Zovirax (acyclovir) leading the charge in taking on internal shingles. 2 In addition, vaccines for the varicella virus are available and work quite well in preventing onset.

How long does it take for internal shingles to go away?

Shingles isn’t a serious condition for most people who get it. Within 3 to 5 weeks, the shingles rash should start to fade. Prescription medication, resting, and drinking plenty of water can help you to heal faster. If you don’t heal quickly, you’re at a higher risk for complications from shingles.

What makes shingles go away quicker?

Put cool, wet cloths on the area to relieve pain and itching. You can also use calamine lotion. Try not to use so much lotion that it cakes and is hard to get off. Put cornstarch or baking soda on the sores to help dry them out so they heal faster.

What kind of doctor treats internal shingles?

If you think you could have shingles, see a board-certified dermatologist or other health-care provider within 3 days of getting the rash. When started within 3 days, treatment can prevent possible complications, such as long-lasting nerve pain.

Why won’t my shingles go away?

When the pain caused by shingles doesn’t go away after the rash and blisters clear up, the condition is called postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common shingles complication. It occurs when a shingles outbreak damages the nerves.

What is the best medicine to treat shingles?

Several antiviral medicines—acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir—are available to treat shingles and shorten the length and severity of the illness. These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears.

How do you get rid of nerve pain from shingles?

Treating Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

1. Anticonvulsants. Some anti-seizure medications like gabapentin (Neurontin, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica) can decrease the pain of postherpetic neuralgia.
2. Painkillers.
3. Steroids.
4. Lidocaine Skin Patches.
5. Capsaicin Skin Patches.
6. Antidepressants.

Can shingles spread inside your body?

Shingles is a viral nerve infection that causes a painful rash and blistering on the skin. In some cases, the infection can spread to internal organs and can sometimes appear without a rash. Doctors refer to this as internal shingles.