subject: Treatment for Shingles Outbreak on the Face [print this page] Shingles is an infection caused by varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Early signs and symptoms of shingles include pain, numbness, burning and tingling on the affected area followed by a rash. Usually, only one side of the body or face is affected. While the infection is not life-threatening, shingles on the face is considered serious because it can affect your vision or hearing. Blisters close to the eye must be given immediate medical attention.
People who have experienced chicken pox may continue to harbor the virus for years as it lies dormant in the spinal cord and brain tissue. If the virus becomes reactivated for any reason, it results in an outbreak of shingles. The most common early signs of shingles on the face include headache, facial drooping, and weakness on one side of the face. The shingles rash that follows may go around one eye or on one side of the neck and face. Shingles on the face can lead to encephalitis or inflammation of the brain, as well as temporary or permanent blindness, hearing problems, or partial paralysis of the face.
Treatment of Shingles on the Face
If you suspect that you have shingles, you must see your doctor immediately. This is critical especially if the pain and rash are near your eyes. The infection can cause permanent eye damage. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. He may also obtain tissue scrapings of the rash for laboratory testing. Getting immediate treatment will lower the risk of developing complications.
For facial shingles, your doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs such as famciclovir, acyclovir or valacyclovir. Antiviral drugs will help reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. A corticosteroid such as prednisone may be prescribed to reduce inflammation of the rash. You may be given pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen for mild pain. If the pain is more severe, the doctor may prescribe pain relievers such as opioids.
Complications sometimes happen. One out of five shingles sufferers develop postherpetic neuralgia or PHN, wherein damaged nerve fibers send exaggerated pain messages to the brain. The skin in the affected area becomes overly sensitive to the slightest touch. PHN is usually treated with pain medications, anticonvulsant drugs, and antidepressants.
Home Treatment for Facial Shingles
Apply a cold compress to the face and affected areas to relieve the shingles pain. You can also use Burow's solution, available at pharmacies, to relieve itching and pain of shingles on the face. Chill the Burow's solution in the refrigerator before using. Antihistamine medications including diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can also relieve itching. Calamine lotion or an oatmeal paste on the facial area will also provide relief from itch.
Treatment for Shingles Outbreak on the Face
By: Barb Hicks - Clivir Team
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