Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Pain Due To Shingles Be Treated?

I have been suffering with pain from shingles for the past two weeks. Even though I can tolerate the pain during the day, I cannot sleep at night without meds due to much pain awaking me. Prescribed Gabapentin makes me very drowsy and itchy. I have tried Tylenol for pain, but severe itching with it as well. Ibuprofen seems to take the edge off so I can sleep at night, but wanted to try something different as I have been on this for two weeks, and have mild asthma and some minor GI issues that I don want to worsen. I have read that sometimes opiates have less side effects, so thus may be safer for chronic pain. What do you think? And suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
posted on Thu, 4 Aug 2016
Twitter Sun, 21 Aug 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 22 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear
Understand your concern.
Shingles generally recover in 3-5 week. But main problem is re occurrence and pain problem.
Complication are
Secondary bacterial infection, Motor involvement, including weakness, Postherpetic neuralgia
You can take following advice:
Initially treatment:
Anti viral medication:Acyclovir, Pain medication: acetaminophen
Topical treatment
Neosporine ointment, Calamine lotion and Capsaicin cream

If pain not relieved after month you should start following treatment after consulting doctor
Antidepressant: Amitryptaline
Topical anesthetic: Benzocaine or lidocaine
Opioids and caffeine can be used
Cool water bath, Wet compression also helpful
Hope this may help you.
Best regards
Dr. Sagar
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Pain Due To Shingles Be Treated?

Hello dear Understand your concern. Shingles generally recover in 3-5 week. But main problem is re occurrence and pain problem. Complication are Secondary bacterial infection, Motor involvement, including weakness, Postherpetic neuralgia You can take following advice: Initially treatment: Anti viral medication:Acyclovir, Pain medication: acetaminophen Topical treatment Neosporine ointment, Calamine lotion and Capsaicin cream If pain not relieved after month you should start following treatment after consulting doctor Antidepressant: Amitryptaline Topical anesthetic: Benzocaine or lidocaine Opioids and caffeine can be used Cool water bath, Wet compression also helpful Hope this may help you. Best regards Dr. Sagar