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Treatments for Shingles

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Shingles

There is no cure for shingles, but it can be managed by:

  • Easing pain
  • Shortening the length of the illness
  • Lowering the risk of the rash getting infected
  • Preventing complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia

Treatment involves:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Alternative and complementary therapies

Other treatments

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

References

  • Herpes zoster. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/herpes-zoster.
  • Shingles. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/shingles.
  • Shingles (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles.
  • Shingles: overview. American Academy of Dermatology Association website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/shingles-overview.

Contributors

  • James Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2023-08-01

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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.