WHAT ARE THE GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR TREATING SHINGLES?
Therapies have been developed to reduce the effects of the virus, although there is no cure for the disorder. Treating an Acute Shingles Attack The treatment goals for an acute attack of herpes zoster include the following: • Reduce pain. • Reduce discomfort. • Hasten healing of blisters. • Prevent the disease from spreading (disseminating). Antiviral agents (acyclovir and others) are sometimes given to older patients and those with severe symptoms, but they must be administered with 72 hours to be effective. Treating Facial Paralysis (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome or Bell’s Palsy) In Ramsay Hunt syndrome and Bell’s palsy, herpes zoster affects the face. Although evidence is weak on treating facial involvement of herpes zoster, some experts recommend oral prednisone (a corticosteroid) and an antiviral agent within seven days of symptom onset. Even though nearly all cases of Bell’s palsy and the majority of Ramsay Hunt syndrome resolve without problems, the possibility of residual symptoms with
