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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
DiagnosisHealth care providers usually diagnose shingles based on the history of pain on one side of your body, along with the telltale rash and blisters. Your health care provider may also take a tissue sample or culture of the blisters to send to the lab.TreatmentThere's no cure for shingles. Early treatment with prescription antiviral drugs may speed healing and lower your risk of complications. These drugs include: Acyclovir (Zovirax) Famciclovir Valacyclovir (Valtrex)Shingles can cause severe pain, so your health care provider also may prescribe: Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza) Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, in the form of a cream, gel, spray or skin patch An injection including corticosteroids and local anestheticsTalk with your health care provider or pharmacist about benefits and potential side effects of any drugs you're prescribed.Shingles generally lasts between 2 and 6 weeks. Most people get shingles only once. But it's possible to get it two or more times.Self careTaking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on your blisters may help relieve the itching and pain. And, if possible, try to lower the amount of stress in your life.Preparing for your appointmentYou may start by seeing your primary care health care provider.Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.What you can doWhen you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of: Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history All medications, vitamins or supplements you take, including the doses Questions to ask your doctorTake a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.For shingles, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What's likely causing my symptoms? Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms? What tests do I need? Is my condition likely temporary or chronic? What's the best course of action? What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting? I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together? Are there restrictions I need to follow? Should I see a specialist? Are there brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do
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