Discussions

3 out breaks an this one on my right torso. Other than anti virals anyone have a go to to relieve the pain and stupid itching?

There is a shingles vaccine to prevent out breaks. Not covered by Manitoba health. Thinking it is around $160.00 but don't quote me on price..

shingles 5 times. Starting at the age of 17. There isn't much you can do but try not to scratch which can enable them to spread. I think for me the worst case was the one on my stomach. Such a tender spot. It seems to me that I am now getting them every 5 years now. I think the best thing to do is rest for the few days that they are flared up.

If you get to your doctor in the 72 hour time frame from when you first experience symptoms, there is medication they can give you to stop the spread of the shingles and to lessen its effects. Worked for me. I only had a few spots and it nipped it in the bud quickly.

what is the name of the medication you are taking about?

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/basics/treatment/con-20019574  
 
Link to some info. I had them and I received the medication within the time limit. They were on my head and very sore. Good luck.  
Medication helped so they weren't as bad as they could have been.

Acupuncture will dry up the blisters and they will be gone before you know it. Seriously. My mother got shingles once a year and that's the only thing that helped, wish she found it years sooner!

I have always found that with the antiviral the blisters dry up with a week on there own anyway. (Especially if I dont tough them) And I only really have pain that starts a few days after they arrive, lasting a couple of days.

fuzzy slippers said "what is the name of the medication you are taking about? "

I'm sorry, I don't remember! I had it a couple years ago. I didn't even know it was shingles til I went to the dr cause my eye was swelling shut. he said right away it was shingles cause it was following a nerve around my one eye so he gave me the meds with the hope it would halt it in its tracks. It worked thank goodness cause apparently having shingles on your face like I did can cause vision damage. I would get to your doctor asap, or walk in even. I just went to walk in cause I didn't think it was anything serious!

been prescribed is Famvir. They are big blue pills and end up making me feel ill and give me a headache. They are also pretty pricey.

Shingles are in the chicken pox family. So for people that do get it. Please stay home. Phone Doctor in advance before going. Do not sit in office waiting up to hour. My daughter had it in school and not knowing what it was I sent her to school. Within days 80% of kids got chicken pox. She also had up to date vaccines.  
Once we knew what it was we kept her home. I used Calamine lotion and cool baths for her.

mysterymachine said "3 out breaks an this one on my right torso. Other than anti virals anyone have a go to to relieve the pain and stupid itching? "

I have had only one episode of shingles (on my lower back), thank goodness. The itching was relieved instantly by using a solution of one part cold water and one part Javex. My husband sponged the blisters with cotton balls soaked in the solution. And interestingly enough, it also halted the progression of more blisters.  

I was worried because my mom had compromised immune system. Chicken pox is very contagious but not shingles. Mine lasted 6 weeks and it is something I would not wish on anyone! Wanted to get the vaccine to prevent it but they only give if age 50 or older. It costs ap $200 but worth it! I hope I never have another episode of shingles!

I can not seem to post link for info but you can read about contagious factor regarding shingles on the CDC web site. If someone could try to post link that would be great.  

butterfly123 said "I can not seem to post link for info but you can read about contagious factor regarding shingles on the CDC web site. If someone could try to post link that would be great.   "

 
Here is the link:  
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/transmission.html  
 
To suggest shingles is contagious is a little extreme. Certain conditions have to be met for it to be contagious.  
 

For the itch and burning sensation. Is the itch only when you have the outbreak or also after?  
 
Speak to your doctor or go to walk in. There ARE options to treat the symptoms.