Shingles relief

[plumbrazor]

My wife has got a bad dose of shingles, a bad rash, and severe pain. She has just finished a 5 day course of aciclovir, which does not appear to have done much to alleviate the pain or reduce the rash, which is also covered in big blisters. Has anyone got suggestions for something to alleviate the extreme discomfort of the rash? We have tried aqueous calamine cream. An American website suggests a silver oxide preparation, but it does not appear to be available in the UK.

[sqad617]

The pain of shingles can be really severe and debilitating and sge has my sympathies. It can affect the chest (over the ribs) but more seriously the side of the face and may involve the cornea. I have no idea which part of the body has been affected with your wife. Pain relief: can be extremely difficult and I suppose rhat she has taken Paracetamol, co-codemol and the usual painkillers. In extrem cases morphine or morphine like derivatives may be required or even regional nerve block at your local Pain Clinic. There have been reports that Amytryptiline or nortryptiline, both antidepressants some 40 yrs old. if taken early enough can relieve the pain. That is the good news, the bad news is that the pain after the rash has disappeared can last up to 6months.

[Robinia]

An antihistamine might also help with inflammation & itching...tell your wife to ask the pharmacist & I hope she's better very soon.

[mandimoo]

also, i dont think aciclovir would reduce or releive im afraid, it just helps to stop it developing further.