Shingles is a problematic skin rash caused by the virus that is responsible for causing chicken pox. This virus is called herpes zoster or varicella zoster virus. Once a person has had chicken pox the virus responsible for this condition remains within the human body and tends to reawaken years later if the immunity of the individual becomes weak. Shingles medication can help in reducing the severity of the rash and the duration of the disease.

The virus responsible for shingles tends to reawaken when the immunity of a person becomes weak. The reasons for weakened immunity include diseases like Aids, cancer and emotional stress. A person taking treatment like radiation or chemotherapy may also suffer from a weak immune system. Those taking steroids may also suffer from this condition and the shingles medication is aimed at providing relief from this condition.

A few days or weeks before the blisters appear the patients tend to experience increased sensitivity of skin along with a burning pain. The rash starts off with small bumps on skin that is red. New blisters continue to erupt for a period of around 3 to 4 days. These blisters tend to follow individual nerve paths and have a band or belt like appearance. With time the blisters pop and then crust over and heal. Shingles medication not only includes medication to treat the blisters but also something to ease the pain.

Shingles medication includes several effective treatment options. Certain drugs are prescribed to fight the virus responsible for causing this condition. These drugs include antivirals like acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. These medicines can help reduce the severity of the rash and its duration as well. The medication should be started within 72 hours from the time the rash first appears.

Shingles medication also includes certain anti itching lotions include calamine lotion that can provide relief to the areas having blisters. Pain medication may also be prescribed. It is also important for patients to keep the areas clean and cool compresses can be used. Aluminum acetate solution can be also be used to help in drying up of the blisters.

In case of cellulitis the blisters tend to get infected with bacteria and in this case the area tends to get red, firm, warm and tender. Red streaks near the wound may also be observed and if these symptoms are observed then it is advisable for patients to seek immediate treatment. Shingles medication in such a case may include certain antibiotics that can help in treating this condition.

Some other complications in shingles include the condition affecting certain areas like the forehead, face, nose and the eyes. Postherpetic neuralgia is also one of the possible complications of this condition. In this situation the pain related to shingles may persist for more than a month even after healing of the rash. For the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia some antidepressant medication like amitriptyline may be prescribed. Likewise some antiseizure medication like gabapentin, pregabalin can also be prescribed to provide relief from the pain.

Shingles medication can also include lidocaine patches that are used to provide relief from nerve pain. It is advisable for individuals to get shingles vaccines. Certain other natural forms of treatment like aloe vera gel and other herbal medicines can also be used to get some relief.