Treatments for Shingles

Author: Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
En Español (Spanish Version)

There are no treatments to cure shingles. Rather, the goals of treatment include:

  • Shortening the length of the illness
  • Preventing shingles by using the shingles vaccine
  • Preventing complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia
  • Relieving/reducing pain and discomfort
  • Preventing the rash from becoming infected

Treatment involves the following:

At this time, there are no surgical procedures for the treatment of shingles.

References:

The American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/default.htm. Accessed February 21, 2006.

Stankus SJ, Dlugopolski M, Packer D. Management of herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia. Am Fam Physician. 2000;61(8). Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000415/2437.html.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/. Accessed February 21, 2006.

Last reviewed February 2007 by David Horn, MD, FACP

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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