People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing shingles. A weakened immune system can be caused by HIV/Aids, cancer or cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, prolonged use of steroids, such as prednisone, or drugs designed to prevent rejection of transplanted organs. Complications from shingles can range from a mild to severe, ranging from minor skin infections to postherpetic neuralgia.
Treatment
The goals of treatment for shingles are to: Shorten the duration of the eruptive stage or rash. Speed up healing of the lesions Relieve patient discomfort. Shorten the duration of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
Shingles is usually treated with:
• Prescription oral antiviral drugs to reduce the duration of the infection;
• Prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation;
• Prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription antidepressants to help with the pain.
The duration of shingles can be significantly reduced for many people with the use of oral prescription antiviral medications. It is important to go to the doctor as soon as you suspect you may have shingles. Shingles should be diagnosed and treated early (within 72 hours, or three days) after the rash appears.