Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can get shingles. This is because the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, stays in your body after the initial infection. The virus lays dormant in your nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Shingles usually results in a painful rash that can last for weeks or even months. But there are treatments available that can help to ease the pain and speed up recovery.
One of the most effective home care treatments for shingles is to apply a cool, wet compress to the affected area. This will help to soothe the pain and also prevent the rash from spreading. You should also keep the area clean and dry to prevent secondary infections. If the pain is severe, you may need to take over-the-counter pain medication or see a doctor for prescription medication. With proper treatment, most people with shingles recover within a few weeks. However, some people may experience post-herpetic neuralgia, which is a form of nerve damage that can cause long-term pain.
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*Disclaimer: Although welcome for treatment, these patients are excluded from offers:
1) MEDICARE, MEDICAID, TRICARE, and other government healthcare program participants and 2) personal injury and worker's compensation claimants.
