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Treatments for Shingles

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While there are no treatments to cure shingles, there are treatment goals, such as:

  • Shortening the length of the illness
  • Preventing shingles by using the shingles vaccine
  • Preventing complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia
  • Relieving pain and discomfort
  • Preventing the rash from becoming infected

Treatment involves:

Lifestyle changesMedicationsAlternative and complementary therapiesOther treatments

At this time, there are no surgical procedures for the treatment of shingles.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: Peter Lucas, MD
  • Review Date: 09/2012 -
  • Update Date: 00/91/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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All rights reserved.

References

  • Shingles. Family Doctor.org website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/shingles.html . Updated January 2011. Accessed September 7, 2012.

  • Shingles (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/overview.html . Updated January 10, 2011. Accessed September 7, 2012.