Treatment for shingles on the face

Treatment for shingles on the face

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The first signs and symptoms of shingles include pain, numbness, burning and tingling of the affected area, followed by a rash. Usually, only one side or face of the body is affected. Although infection is not life-threatening, shingles on the face is considered serious because it can affect your vision or hearing. Bulbs near the eye must be given immediate medical attention.

People who have experienced chickenpox can continue to harbor the virus for years because it is dormant in the spinal cord and brain tissue. If the virus is reactivated for any reason, the result is an outbreak of shingles. The most common early shingles on the face headache, signs of drooping face, and weakness on one side of the face. The rash of shingles following can go around one eye or on one side of the neck and face. Shingles on the face can cause encephalitis or inflammation of the brain, as well as temporary or permanent blindness, hearing problems, or partial paralysis of the face.

Treatment of shingles on the face

If you think you have shingles, you should consult your doctor immediately. This is essential, especially if the pain and rashes are near your eyes. The infection can cause permanent eye damage. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your shinglessymptoms. It can also obtain tissue scrapings of rash for laboratory tests. Get immediate treatment to reduce the risk of developing complications.

For facial shingles, your doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs such as famciclovir, acyclovir or valacyclovir. Antiviral drugs will reduce the severity and duration of shingles symptoms. A corticosteroid such as prednisone may be prescribed to reduce inflammation of the rash. You may be given pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen for mild pain. If the pain is more severe, the doctor may prescribe painkillers such as opioids.

Complications sometimes occur. One in five people with shingles develop post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN, in which damaged nerve fibers send pain messages to the brain exaggerated. The skin in the affected area becomes too sensitive to the slightest touch. PHN is usually treated with analgesics, anticonvulsants and antidepressants.

Home treatment for shingles face

Apply a cold compress to the affected areas of the face and to relieve the pain of shingles. You can also use Burow's solution, available at drugstores, to relieve the itching and pain of shingles on the face. Refrigerate Burow's solution in the refrigerator before using. Antihistamines, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can also relieve itching. Calamine lotion or paste oatmeal on the face area will also provide relief from itching