What Cream Can I Use For Shingles

Can You Use Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream For Shingles

Asked

11 Aug 2010 by srella

Hello, no it will not help

Triamcinolone topical Triamcinolone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Triamcinolone topical is used to treat the inflammation caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. The dental paste form of triamcinolone is used to treat mouth ulcers.

I recommend

They all treat HZ or shingles very effectively ask your doctor

Take care

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When Should You Call For Help

or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have a new or higher fever.
• You have a severe headache and a stiff neck.
• You lose the ability to think clearly.
• The rash spreads to your forehead, nose, eyes, or eyelids.
• You have eye pain, or your vision gets worse.
• You have new pain in your face, or you cannot move the muscles in your face.
• Blisters spread to new parts of your body.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• The rash has not healed after 2 to 4 weeks.
• You still have pain after the rash has healed.

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How Are Shingles Usually Treated

Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir , valacyclovir , and famciclovir are commonly used to treat shingles but may also come with side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and more.

Theres no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment can help shorten its duration and diminish the risk of complications. Most doctors will also prescribe painkillers, numbing agents, steroids, or even local anesthetic to mitigate the severe pain associated with the shingles rash.

Shingles generally last for two to six weeks with proper treatment. Most people only get shingles once, though it is possible to contract it more than this. For the majority of patients, pain management is the most important facet of shingles treatmentand new research suggests CBD may be able to help.

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Consider Using Creams Lotions Or Patches

Shingles can be very painful. If you need help managing pain, your doctor might prescribe a topical pain-relieving cream or patch. These contain lidocaine or other nerve block medication for the skin.

A medicated anti-itch cream that includes an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine , might also help you find some relief.

After the rash has scabbed over, you can try using creams or lotions to soothe any remaining symptoms. Look for products that contain:

• colloidal oatmeal

Your doctor may also recommend an oral over-the-counter pain reliever such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or acetaminophen . Always follow the dosage instructions on the label or take according to your doctors instructions.

Apply A Baking Soda Solution To Relieve Irritated Skin

Another common remedy for itching thats easily available at home is baking soda. Add a little baking soda to a glass of water and apply the solution to relieve irritated skin. You can also try adding some baking soda to your bath water.15 Although its not clear how exactly baking soda works, its alkaline nature is supposed to be at work here.

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Is There A Shingles Vaccine

In the UK there is a shingles vaccine immunisation programme for people aged 70 years to protect against herpes zoster. There is also a catch-up programme which offers the vaccine to anyone aged between 70 and 79 years who has previously missed out on immunisation. The vaccine is licensed for people aged over 50 years, and if you are not eligible for the vaccine on the NHS, your pharmacist may be able to provide the vaccine as a private service.

The chickenpox vaccine is not routinely given to children in the UK but is offered to people who are in close contact with someone who is particularly vulnerable to chickenpox or its complications eg, people with a weakened immune system.

What Are The Side Effects Of Hydrocortisone Cream/ Ointment

Hydrocortisone cream very rarely causes side effects if applied for a short period of time .

If used excessively on broken, or large areas of skin, then there is an increased risk of side effects associated with topical steroids, such as thinning of the skin or stretch marks.

You should always read the patient information leaflet that is supplied with your medication. You can find a copy of this here

If you think you have experienced side effects you can report them using the yellow card scheme.

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Lidocaine Cream And Patches

2017 study suggests that its one of the best-tolerated treatments for PHN.

PHN is a complication of shingles characterized by long-term nerve pain after your rash disappears. The CDC says that about 10 to 18 percent of people experience PHN after shingles.

Lidocaine is often administered in patches. The study linked above notes that up to 3 patches can be applied in a 12-hour window.

Popular Creams For Alleviating Shingles Pain

What are shingles?Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is a condition that is triggered by the varicella zoster virus. It is the virus that is responsible for causing chickenpox. After chickenpox is treated, it remains in a dormant state inside the nervous system. Usually, shingles is characterized by a blistering rash on the skin. It is mostly a common condition in elderly individuals, who have a fragile immune system. However, any person can contract shingles. In most cases, after patients have recovered from shingles they will not get affected by it again. Although, it is possible for it to occur more than once.

Shingles is not a contagious condition, but there is a small possibility of the virus spreading to someone who has never had chickenpox and isnt vaccinated either.

Symptoms of shinglesThe most common symptom that is witnessed is a persistent form of pain that can be dull, sharp or might even burn. However, for some patients, the discomfort could be intermittent. The other signs indicating the onset of shingles are

To help you buy better, here are some of the best creams for shingles pain and itching.

Hydrocortisone creams When you are buying OTC creams for alleviating shingles pain and itching, ensure that the product has at least 1% of hydrocortisone in it. Hydrocortisone can offer quick relief from the common symptoms.

Cold compress Using a cold compress on the affected area several times a day can help calm the pain and irritation caused by shingles.

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Is A Vaccine Available To Prevent Shingles

Two vaccines are available in the United States to reduce your chance of developing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. One vaccine, Zostavax®, has been available since 2006. The second vaccine, Shingrix®, has been available since 2017. Shingrix is recommended as the preferred vaccine by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a group of medical and public health experts.

Shingrix is given as a two-dose shot in your upper arm. You should receive the second dose two to six months after receiving the first. Shingrix has been shown to be more than 90% effective in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. Its effectiveness remains above 85% for at least four years after receiving the vaccine.

You Can Prevent Shingles

The good news is that you can avoid this misery entirely by getting a fairly new vaccine thats proving to be highly effective. There has actually been a shingles vaccine since 2006, but the first incarnation, Zostavax, only prevented shingles in about 50% of people. Plus, Zostavax was made from live viruses so people with compromised immune systems couldnt get it even though they are the ones most at risk for shingles.

The new vaccine, Shingrix, available since 2017, does not use live viruses in its formulation so its safer and has been found to be more than 90% effective. Shingrix is whats known as an adjuvanted vaccine, meaning it has extra ingredients that help create a stronger immune response. A booster shot may be needed eventually, but experts currently estimate the vaccine provides protection for at least seven years. Its available for adults age 50 and up and requires two doses given between two and six months apart.

On the slim chance you do get shingles after being vaccinated, the illness will be much milder and you will be less likely to develop PHN.

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When Should I See My Doctor

See your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any symptoms of shingles. Starting treatment with antiviral medicines within 3 days of the rash appearing should reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of further complications, including post-herpetic neuralgia.

See your doctor straight away if you have symptoms of shingles and are experiencing the following:

• symptoms that affect your eye area
• a temperature of 38°C or higher

You should also see your doctor if you are pregnant, or have a weakened immune system due to medicine that suppresses the immune system, or a condition that weakens your immune system.

Keys Facts For Hydrocortisone Cream/ointment

It should not be used on the face, unless your doctor has prescribed it for you.

Hydrocortisone acetate 1% cream that can be brought from pharmacies, it is available either as a generic or a branded name such as Hc45 cream. These products should not be used for longer than a week.

Hydrocortisone butyrate cream/ointment is only available on prescription under the brand name of Locoid.

Hydrocortisone cream is more suitable for moist areas of skin, while the thicker, more greasy ointment is more suitable for dry or scaly areas of skin.

Do not use hydrocortisone cream or ointment as a moisturiser.

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Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use hydrocortisone if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, corticosteroids, or if you have a systemic fungal infection.

Steroids can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you had within the past several weeks.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• herpes infection of the eyes or

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss , especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, using this medicine during pregnancy may cause a hormone deficiency in the newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

What Is Shingles Again

Shingles is a painful rash that is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. If you were born before 1980, its highly likely that you had chickenpox when you were younger. The red, itchy rash is caused by the varicella zoster virus, and once it enters your body, it never leaves, even after youve recovered. Instead it takes up residence in the roots of your nerves and goes into hibernation. Decades later, the virus can wake up and cause shinglesmedically known as herpes zoster when it makes this second appearance.

Given how common chickenpox was before a vaccine was developed for it 25 years ago, its easy to see why shingles is equally prevalent among the older population. In fact, one million adults develop shingles every year in the United States. Close to one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime, and that increases to 50% of people who live to age 85.

One of the biggest mysteries with shingles is what causes the virus to reactivate suddenly, after years of snoozing. While doctors are still exploring the reasons, a weakened immune system appears to be the primary culprit. To that end, along with exposure to chickenpox, risk factors for shingles include:

Often PHN pain will gradually go away within about a year, but it can persist much longer or come and go intermittently and can have serious repercussions: It can be so debilitating that it causes depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, weight loss, and difficulty with daily activities.

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Skin Care And Itch Relief For Shingles

To relieve itching and discomfort, try:

• A cool, wet compresses on the affected skin
• Soothing baths and lotions, such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or calamine lotion
• Zostrix, a cream that contains capsaicin
• Antihistamines to reduce itching

Keep your skin clean. Throw away bandages you use to cover your skin sores. Throw away or wash in hot water clothing that has contact with your skin sores. Wash your sheets and towels in hot water.

While your skin sores are still open and oozing, avoid all contact with anyone who has never had chickenpox, especially pregnant women.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia is pain that occurs months or years after you have had shingles.

• It happens in the area of your skin where the shingles infection first occurred.
• This is most commonly in a band around your body, usually on one side of your body.
• The pain is described as burning, sharp and jabbing, or deep and aching.
• People with the condition often cant bear even the touch of clothing on the affected skin as they are sensitive to light touch.
• Sometimes postherpetic neuralgia can produce an itchy feeling or numbness.

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Oral Pain Relief Medicines

e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen diclofenac , naproxen

e.g. ibuprofen

e.g. diclofenac

• paracetamol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories , which include ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen, relieve pain and reduce fever
• paracetamol is a safe choice for most people, but it is important not to take more than recommended. Paracetamol is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies, so be careful not to double dose
• the maximum daily dose of paracetamol for an adult is 4 g , and no more than 1 g every 4 hours.
• aspirin and NSAIDs are not suitable for everyone. Children under 16 years old must not take aspirin because it can cause Reyes syndrome, which is a serious condition. It should also be avoided by adolescents under 16 years old who have a viral illness
• check with your pharmacist before taking aspirin or NSAIDs if you:
• have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion
• have asthma some asthmatics find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines
• have kidney problems or a heart condition
• take other medications
• have bleeding or bruising problems
• have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are elderly you may be at more risk of side effects

How Common Is Shingles

Shingles affects 1 out of every 3 people in the United States. More than 1 million cases of shingles are diagnosed every year. The risk of shingles increases as you get older, with about half the cases occurring in people over the age of 50. Shingles develops in about 10% of people who have had chickenpox at an earlier time in their life.

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Hydrocortisone Topical Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• worsening of your skin condition

• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin

• high blood sugarincreased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor or

• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skinweight gain , slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

These Home Remedies Should Provide Relief During A Case Of Shingles

The editors at Health are a dedicated team of experienced health editors, writers, and other media professionals who strive to bring trustworthy and responsible health and medical content to their readers. As a team, we have decades of experience in health journalism and have worked at legacy publishers and some of the biggest news and media companies in the U.S.

Anyone who had chickenpox as a kid remembers the red, painfully itchy blister-like rash, and perhaps the fever and fatigue that came along with it. But even though it’s true you’re now inoculated against chickenpox for life, there’s one pox-related complication you may not have considered: Shingles.

Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus , and causes a painful, itchy rash in one place on the body. Shingles is most common in adults over 50 years of age in fact, about half of people over age 80 may experience it.

Shingles often begin as pain and itching in the skin before a red rash appears one to two days later, with small, water-filled blisters. These blisters soon rupture and scar over, healing and fading over the course of a few weeks. This process can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, making even the littlest actions difficult.

Here’s how to minimize discomfort and pain with stuff you probably already have at home:

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