Few people know about shingles. It is caused by the third type of herpes virus (Herpes Zoster), which causes chickenpox in children and is characterized by severe pain and itching. To normalize the condition, complex therapy is carried out. The course also includes drugs that relieve pain and itching, thereby bringing relief to the patient. Traditional medicine methods play an important role in treatment. But before using any drug, it is recommended to first consult a doctor.
Acyclovir ointment for the treatment of herpes infections
Herpes zoster or herpes zoster (which is the same thing) in humans is caused by a virus, so the ointment should first of all be aimed at destroying the pathogen.
Other proposed ointments can only eliminate the consequences of the life of the virus, but not the virus itself. By removing the manifestation of the disease, it will not be cured. Therefore, the presence of antivirus components is important. They are divided into vegetable and synthetic.
There is not much difference between them in terms of strength of action and effect on the body, however, if the patient’s condition is serious or the presence of skin diseases, it is recommended to choose an ointment with natural substances. The article will outline various drugs so that you can choose the most suitable one. Acyclovir will open the list.
An active substance such as acyclovir has a powerful antiviral effect. The substance disrupts the DNA synthesis of viruses, which interferes with their reproduction. The body will cope with the remaining manifestations of shingles on its own. Acyclovir comes in many forms, including tablets and injections. An ointment is used to treat shingles.
There are many trade names of drugs containing acyclovir: Gervirax, Ciclovir, Vivorax, etc. Tell the pharmacist that you need an ointment with this active ingredient, ask for the cheapest one. There is no point in overpaying for beautiful packaging.
Typically the product is available in two forms: 3% and 5%. The first is used for mucous membranes, the second for the skin. The average price is 20 rubles. The duration of treatment is from 7 to 10 days, the ointment is applied 3 to 7 times a day to the affected area (depending on the degree of damage). It is important not to stop treatment after the symptoms of shingles disappear, but to be treated for the entire course to avoid relapses. Ointments with acyclovir can also treat common herpes (after a cold, on the lips, genitals, etc.)
"Acyclovir"
This medication is an antiviral agent for parenteral, internal, external and local use. When treating this type of herpes, it is usually used in the form of Acyclovir 200 mg tablets. It is a synthetic analogue of an acyclic purine nucleoside. The drug has increased specificity against Herpes simplex viruses (HSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Varicella zoster virus (VZV). The greatest activity of the main substance is observed against HSV-1.
The mechanism of action of "Acyclovir" in herpes zoster is due to the penetration of the active element directly into cells infected with the virus and producing viral thymidine kinase, as a result of which it is phosphorylated to acyclovir monophosphate. The functionality of the virus's thymidine kinase in relation to acyclovir is much higher than the effect of intracellular enzymes on it (the volume of acyclovir monophosphate in cells is 40–100 times higher). Subsequently, acyclovir triphosphate is formed, which is a selective and extremely active inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase.
According to the instructions, Acyclovir 200 mg is prescribed parenterally and orally for the treatment of the following pathologies: recurrent and primary genital herpes of severe forms, herpes zoster (Varicella zoster), herpes simplex with damage to the skin and mucous membranes (Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2), herpes zoster affecting the eyes.
Zovirax: ointment for herpes zoster
Zovirax is used for multiple herpetic eruptions on the body. Its peculiarity is that it is part of the glucocorticoid hormone hydrocortisone.
This substance is contained in small doses and is practically not absorbed into the internal organs, so there is no need to be afraid to use it. Hydrocortisone relieves inflammation from herpes, eliminates itching and redness.
It is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age, with acne, fungus, dermatitis and other skin lesions, or allergies to active ingredients.
Apply for 5 days, applying to the problem area of the body 5 times a day. If herpes zoster persists on the body, the ointment should be discontinued and replaced with another, in consultation with a dermatovenerologist. The average price for Zovirax is 300 rubles.
Medicines for topical use
What else is used to treat herpes zoster? People often suffer not only from pain, but also from severe skin itching that occurs in the area of the rash. Treatment of this pathology requires the use of appropriate medications.
As a rule, they are gels, ointments and creams based on acyclovir:
- "Zovirax";
- "Gerpevir";
- "Virolex";
- "Gerperax" and others.
The category of anti-itching agents for herpes zoster also includes medications containing other active substances. These are, for example, “Viru-Merz Serol”, which is based on tromantadine hydrochloride, “Panavir” with plant extracts, “Fenistil Pencivir” based on penciclovir and others.
Lidocaine ointment
Lidocaine is a pain reliever (local anesthetic). The use of such an ointment for shingles is applicable for unpleasant sensations at the site of the rash: a feeling of goosebumps, pain, severe itching.
Lidocaine “freezes” the skin and relieves all unpleasant sensations. For treatment, the composition usually includes some kind of antiviral drug.
Herpferon consists of acyclovir (destroys the virus), lidocaine (as an anesthetic and against itching and pain) and interferon (an immunostimulating substance that helps fight the virus). It has no contraindications, side effects are rare. The medicine acts quickly and gently, the shingles disappears in a few days.
Herpferon is applied to the rash 5 times a week, the treatment period is 5-10 days. The average price in pharmacies is 300 rubles.
How to relieve itching
This unpleasant symptom is one of the first to appear and haunts you. It is also accompanied by burning, tingling and pain. It should be immediately noted that the bubbles should not be squeezed or combed. This will lead to an even greater spread of the rash, a long recovery and a possible complication in the form of an associated bacterial or fungal infection.
Tips to prevent itching
- Once the patient feels itching, he can use his own earwax. It must be removed from the ear with a cotton swab and applied to the affected skin, having previously cleaned the area of inflammation. There is no need to apply a bandage.
- You can use any toothpaste, applying a thin layer of it to the itchy area. Unpleasant symptoms noticeably subside.
- Corvalol or Valocordin will help cope with itching. Apply drops to a clean cotton swab and lubricate the itchy skin.
- It is necessary to wear only loose clothing, without rough seams, made of cotton fabrics, thereby eliminating friction and further irritation of the skin.
- Apply cold packs or place a heating pad filled with ice.
Ointments based on penciclovir
For particularly stubborn cases of herpes zoster, ointments with penciclovir are used. According to the mechanism of action, this substance is similar to acyclovir, but is more active. It is not recommended to apply to mucous membranes, as well as in the eye area.
Due to the strong impact on the virus, treatment needs no more than four days. Apply every 2 hours throughout the day. If you need to quickly get rid of herpes zoster, then penciclovir is the best choice. The average price is 300 rubles.
The following names contain the substance penciclovir:
- Fenistil Pentsivir;
- Vectavir;
- Penciclovir-Fitovit and others.
It should be used with caution in the treatment of herpes zoster in children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
The essence of pathology
Shingles is a type of herpetic infection that mainly has skin manifestations. The disease is caused by the same type of virus as chickenpox. If a person has ever had chickenpox, the herpes virus remains in his body forever. It settles in the nerve ganglia and does not manifest itself as long as the person maintains sufficient immunity.
How to treat herpes zoster when visiting a doctor...
When a stressful situation occurs, during a serious illness, or hypothermia, the immune system weakens, and the chickenpox and herpes zoster virus is activated. Pathology most often occurs in adults. Shingles is characterized by the appearance of specific rashes on those areas of the skin that correspond to infected nerve fibers.
The rashes are represented by small grouped blisters with a clear liquid inside. More often they are located on the body, as if encircling it - hence the name of the disease. But rashes can also appear on the head, limbs, and buttocks. The affected skin turns red and there is severe itching in these areas. Characterized by fairly intense musculocutaneous pain caused by damage to nerve fibers.
The disease continues for 7-14 days, after which the blisters gradually dry out, forming crusts and then areas of depigmentation. These traces remain for several years. Pain may also persist for 6-12 months. Shingles is treated at home, and in severe cases of the disease with extensive rashes, hospitalization in the infectious diseases department is indicated.
Hyporamine ointment in the fight against herpes
Plants are also able to defeat the virus. Hyporamin was synthesized based on sea buckthorn leaves. In addition to the direct effect on the DNA of the shingles virus, the drug activates the body's own immune forces - interferons.
The safety of the active ingredient allows the use of ointments with hyporamin even in infants, as well as in pregnant and lactating women. However, allergic reactions are possible, so monitoring after application is necessary.
The medicine is applied 5 times a day in a thin layer. If necessary, you can extend the treatment period to three weeks. Ointments with hyporamin are used in the treatment of herpes zoster in weakened people, children, and the elderly. Cost – 200 rubles.
Painkillers
In addition to medications that directly fight the virus, the body also needs substances that relieve pain. The most frequently recommended ones are:
- Analgin;
- Butadion;
- Paracetamol;
- Indomethacin, etc.
If the pain syndrome is too severe and does not go away for a long time, anticonvulsants Diazepam and Gabapentin can be used. In combination with tablets, gels with lidocaine or capsation-based ointment are used.
In extremely severe cases, the attending physician may prescribe strong painkillers from the groups of narcotic analgesics or antidepressants. These are Promedol, Tramal, Fortral, etc. Such drugs should be used strictly under the supervision of a doctor and only if the corresponding symptoms are present.
Alpizarin based on herbal ingredients
Alpirazine is a broad-spectrum drug. It inhibits the vital activity of the herpes virus, bacteria, and fungi. Stimulates human cellular and humoral immunity. This leads to the synthesis of T and B lymphocytes, which travel with blood and lymph to the diseased area of the body. Made from plant components: Kopechnik and Mango. Contraindications:
- age up to three years;
- pregnancy period;
- sensitivity to components.
Usually prescribed as an additional remedy to other ointments; single use is justified in mild cases. To treat herpes zoster, alpirazine ointment is used for 5 days to three weeks. Price – from 80 rubles.
Features of therapy for children and pregnant women
Most antiviral drugs are prohibited in childhood and pregnancy. Therapy puts a lot of stress on the immune and nervous systems, which is dangerous in weakened states. Children’s own immunity, as a rule, is able to suppress the activity of the virus without complications. The main thing is to provide your child with vitamins and treat the rash with an antiseptic to prevent bacterial infection.
During pregnancy in the first trimester, herpes is especially dangerous for the unborn child. In the future, the risk of infection and disruption of nervous activity is reduced. Therapy for pregnant women excludes the use of immunomodulators.
Regardless of age and health status, symptomatic measures will give a good result: treating the affected area with an antiseptic, taking antihistamines and including vitamins and minerals in complexes in the list of medications taken. Before treating shingles using traditional methods and symptomatic measures, be sure to visit a doctor to clarify the diagnosis.
Bottom line
Shingles is a fairly serious disease. Bacteria can get into the scratches at the site of the rash and cause a secondary infection. Frequent occurrence indicates a malfunction of the immune system.
This happens with numerous internal diseases, so it is recommended to undergo a full examination. It is better to start treatment of shingles with ointments, creams, gels and other mild forms. Main advantages:
- ease of use;
- weak effect on the body as a whole;
- low risk of side effects;
- the same ointment may contain several medicinal substances that provide a varied therapeutic effect;
- the ability to provide long-term effects on the skin.
It is recommended to read the instructions before use. If the illness does not go away, you should consult a doctor. Be healthy!
Homeopathy
Allopathic doctors are sometimes prejudiced against homeopathic medicines. However, their effectiveness has been proven by many years of use. The principle of action of a homeopathic medicine is different from a traditional allopathic one: the essence of treatment is not to destroy the pathogens that caused the disease of any one organ, but to restore the body’s ability to heal itself.
Homeopathy for herpes zoster is:
- thuja;
- Nitricum acidum;
- graphite.
Medicines are prescribed only by a doctor who has undergone special training! Homeopathy treatment is combined with the use of traditional drugs recognized by official medicine.
Shingles lasts up to 3 weeks. Sometimes the healing process is delayed. Much depends on the state of the immune system, on the body’s ability to adequately respond to treatment. It is important to prevent complications, to prevent the appearance of postherpetic neuralgia, which is difficult to combat.
After the acute manifestations are relieved, physiotherapy is prescribed: phonophoresis, ultrasound. Hardening is useful, which begins with dousing with warm and hot water alternately, gradually increasing the temperature contrast. Prevention:
- control of chronic diseases;
- preventing relapses.
A vaccine has been developed that protects humans 100% against Varicella Zoster. But they vaccinate those who have not had chickenpox, which means they do not have the virus in their blood that causes shingles. The task of the rest is to increase immunity. This is the main measure to prevent herpetic lichen. When signs of the disease appear, treatment is started immediately, which increases the chances of a mild attack.
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