Relief For That Excruciating Shingles Rash

If you’ve ever had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that was responsible for the illness remains dormant in your nerve tissue. If you’re lucky, it stays that way forever. 

Unfortunately, for one million Americans each year, the virus reactivates, usually after age 50, causing a more severe condition: shingles. Shingles is characterized by a stinging, blistering rash on one side of the face or body that can last up to two months. 

If you suspect you have shingles, time is of the essence. See a board-certified dermatologist, like our experts at Sanford Dermatology, immediately. We have offices in Sanford, Pittsboro, and Lillington, North Carolina.

The importance of getting shingles treatment quickly

Antiviral medication can reduce the duration and severity of shingles and help prevent complications, such as long-lasting nerve pain.

But for optimal impact, medication should be taken within three days of your rash appearing. Getting treatment after three days is still beneficial, so still see us, even if you’ve had the rash for longer than a few days. 

What does shingles treatment entail?

We usually prescribe one of three antiviral medications — acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir.

If you have severe shingles pain, we may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication, such as a corticosteroid. Along with antivirals, we may recommend the following home care, too:

• Cold, damp compresses to soothe inflamed skin
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
• Anti-itch lotions (like calamine), once blisters begin to scab

In most cases, blisters clear in a week to 10 days. The average shingles rash tends to resolve completely within two to four weeks, but the pain may persist for up to two months.

Recognizing the earliest signs of shingles

Days before any visual sign appears, you may experience warning symptoms in that specific spot:

• Intense burning, tingling, or stabbing pain
• Extreme skin sensitivity (where even a light shirt touching the area causes discomfort)
• Mild flu-like feelings without a fever

Within a few days, a red rash breaks out, quickly developing into fluid-filled blisters. Over seven to ten days, these blisters break open, ooze, and crust over.

Stopping shingles before it starts

The single best defense against shingles is the two-dose Shingrix vaccine, which provides over 90% protection in adults with healthy immune systems. Plus, protection remains strong for at least a decade after completing the two-dose series.

The two-dose Shingrix vaccine is recommended for:

• All healthy adults aged 50 and older
• Adults aged 19 and older with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments

Even if you’ve already had shingles, getting vaccinated is essential to prevent future recurrences. Most people only get shingles once, but it’s possible to get it again.

Do you suspect you have shingles? We’re here to help. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Sanford Dermatology office in Sanford, Pittsboro, or Lillington, North Carolina, for all your dermatology needs.