How To Treat Shingles

Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

A colloidal oatmeal bath is an option some individuals use for relief from chronic skin conditions. In addition to shingles, oatmeal baths are sometimes recommended for psoriasis and eczema patients. These conditions cause the skin to become itchy, reddened, irritated, dry, and inflamed. Individuals might imagine an oatmeal bath is done by literally filling a bathtub with breakfast food. However, this isn't the case. A colloidal oatmeal bath does use warm water and oatmeal, but the oatmeal involved has been ground into a fine powder, which is why it's referred to as colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is light enough that it becomes suspended in water without sinking, making it an effective solution. A study in 2012 indicated colloidal oatmeal is effective at soothing the irritation and itching from skin conditions like shingles and eczema.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants may be considered as a treatment for postherpetic neuralgia. This potential complication of shingles can cause burning pain that lasts for three months or more, and patients might become sensitive to light touch. Tricyclic antidepressants help ease the pain of this condition. The medications work by changing the way the brain interprets pain. Nortriptyline, duloxetine, amitriptyline, and venlafaxine are among the most frequently prescribed tricyclic antidepressants for patients who have postherpetic neuralgia. Individuals with this complication are generally given lower antidepressant doses than patients with other conditions. During treatment with tricyclic antidepressants, patients should be vigilant for potential side effects such as weight gain, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Some individuals have experienced blurry vision, fatigue, constipation, nausea, and low blood pressure as well. Patients should let their healthcare provider know right away if they develop suicidal thoughts or hallucinations while taking this medicine.