What can be done for post-shingles itching?
Answers
Shingles is so tough! When someone develops pain or itching after the shingles rash heals, this is called post-herpetic neuralgia. Treatments for this include nerve medications (like gabapentin), local anethestetics (lidocaine or capsacin), pain medications, or antidepressants. You or one of her family members should speak to her health care provider to make sure that she gets treatment since she is scratching, which means she is uncomfortable. This problem can be treated, which will help improve her quality of life.
I have post shingles right now be suffering with it for the past 6 months
been suffering from itching for 6 months after having shingles last spring, until now had no idea that it might be related to shingles, even my doctor had no idea what was causing the itch. Thanks for the ifo. I am on Gabapentin and lidocane cream so hopefully it will help. Sure hope this does not last too much longer. Quality of life is being affected by this awful itch. i feel like I have aged 10 years in the past few months.
Many times homeopathic cures are helpful. My husband had a shingles outbreak years(8) ago and sometimes he experiences tingling (usually when it is sunny/hot & humid out). We found "pear juice" is helpful. I added a few more tidbits below and a link: . * A gel made from licorice root appears to be an excellent topical application. Doctors report that serious pain and inflammation are totally cleared in three days after this application.
Pear juice is rich in antiviral caffeic acid. Drink it as a fruit juice and eat lots of pears for shingles.
Avoid foods containing the amino acid arginine, such as chocolate, cereal grains, nuts, and seeds.
Here is the link: http://www.holistic-online.com/Remedies/Shingles/shingles_common-sense.htm
