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Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Treatment |
Treatment of
herpes zoster is focused on the
treatment of pain-related symptoms. The rash
itself, is self-resolving, usually
over 5-7 days and requires no formal treatment. Conventional treatments for the pain
and possible post-herpetic neuralgia
includes analgesic medications, and
in severe cases, anti-depressants. Individuals with severe immunocompromise (HIV/AIDS, cancer)
will usually be given IV acyclovir,
or a similar anti-viral to prevent
complications and reoccurrence. [4]
Alternative therapy
has several options for treating
the pain associated with herpes
zoster. Because an outbreak of
shingles is not precipitated
by any one event, there is little information on
preventing an outbreak.
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Supplements helpful for Herpes
Zoster (Shingles) |
Glycyrrhizin
Glycyrrhizin is a
component of Glycyrrhiza glabra,
or licorice. It is a root that
yields certain anti-inflammatory
properties. Interestingly,
licorice root has been shown to
exhibit certain anti-viral activity against
the varicella zoster virus in
vitro
(Petri dish). This anti-viral
activity is believed to be effective
in vivo (in the body) as well,
though no studies have been
performed. [5] One study found that
the topical
application of glycyrrhizin decreased the intensity
of pain in patients with herpes
zoster. It was compared to acyclovir
and placebo and found to be as
effective as acyclovir, and was faster
acting. [6]
Capsaicin cream
Capsaicin cream is a
well-documented treatment for the
pain associated with shingles. It is
effective for long-term use in the
case of post-herpetic neuralgia as
well. Capsaicin is believed to
stimulate specific fibers of nerve
cells that cause a release of
Substance P. Substance P is
responsible for pain sensation.
This continued stimulation from
capsaicin results in a depletion of
Substance P and therefore an end to
the pain. [7]
In one study, application of 0.025%
capsaicin cream for 8 weeks resulted
in improvement of pain intensity in
more than 48% of patients. A
significant effect was achieved
after only 2 weeks of treatment in
another study. [8] The only side effect
reported was mild
discomfort at the beginning of
treatment, which usually subsided after several days.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil (10%
menthol) has been reported in a case
study to decrease pain in post
herpetic neuralgia. The individual
in study was an elderly woman whose symptoms
were resistant to standard
treatment. Relief persisted 4-6
hours after application of the oil
to the affected area. [9]
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has
also been used as a topical
application for post-herpetic
neuralgia. There is conflicting
evidence in the literature, and its
effectiveness in shingles treatment
remains unclear.
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Learn More About
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) |
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