Common questions / 07/03/2020

What is the best doctor to see for 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.

Can you get over shingles without going to the doctor?

Although there is no cure for shingles, early treatment with drugs that fight the virus can help the blisters dry up faster and limit severe pain. Shingles can often be treated at home. People with shingles rarely need to stay in a hospital.

Is shingles a neurological disorder?

Shingles in or around an eye (ophthalmic shingles) can cause painful eye infections that may result in vision loss. Neurological problems. Depending on which nerves are affected, shingles can cause an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or hearing or balance problems.

Do I need to see a GP for shingles?

Shingles is not usually serious, but you should see your GP as soon as possible if you recognise the symptoms. Early treatment may help reduce the severity of your symptoms and the risk of developing complications.

Can shingles spread to your brain?

In rare cases, shingles can spread into the brain or spinal cord and cause serious complications such as stroke or meningitis (an infection of the membranes outside the brain and spinal cord).

What can I put on shingles to stop them itching?

To relieve itching and discomfort, try:

A cool, wet compresses on the affected skin.
Soothing baths and lotions, such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or calamine lotion.
Zostrix, a cream that contains capsaicin (an extract of pepper)
Antihistamines to reduce itching (taken by mouth or applied to the skin)

When to see a doctor if you have shingles?

While you have shingles, you want to take good care of yourself and the rash. Here’s what dermatologists recommend. See a doctor within 2 to 3 days of getting the rash. If you could have shingles, you want to see a doctor within 72 hours of getting the rash.

How are shingles treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital?

Early treatment of shingles may prevent PHN. Pain relievers and steroid treatment may be used to treat the pain and inflammation. Other treatments include antiviral drugs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical agents. Bacterial infection. A bacterial infection of the skin where the rash happens is another complication.

What kind of Medicine DO YOU take for shingles?

Do you need to take care of yourself with shingles?

The right self-care can ease your discomfort while you have shingles and prevent another outbreak later. While you have shingles, you want to take good care of yourself and the rash. Here’s what dermatologists recommend.

What doctors specialize in shingles?

The following types of doctors or medical specialists may be involved in diagnosis, treatment or management for Shingles: General practitioner. Primary care physician. Infectious disease specialist. Ophthalmologist. Neurologist.

What are the stages of shingles healing?

Clinical features and diagnosis of shingles. Symptoms and signs. The course of shingles can be divided into three stages: 6 . Prodrome (early symptoms stage) – one to four days prior to rash appearing. Infectious rash (acute stage) – seven to ten days duration. Resolution (healing stage) – two to four weeks duration.

What over-the-counter medications can treat shingles?

Medications for Shingles Painkillers. Over the counter painkillers for shingles are non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Topical Creams. As aforementioned, the site of the rash not only causes pain but also appears inflamed. Anti Histamines. When the shingles rash develops, the body releases histamines (chemicals) as a response to a viral infection.

What is the best remedy for shingles pain?

Cold packs or cool compresses are among the most effective home remedies for shingles. They help to reduce pain due to the skin blisters. Dip a clean cloth in cold water and place it over the blistered skin. You can also place a towel around the affected region and pour cold water over it.