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A member asked:

What stops the shingles from hurting so badly?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Mitchell Cohn answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Acute vs. chronic: Acute shingles pain (while shingles is active w/ blisters) may be treated with OTC meds like Advil or prescription meds like opioid pain meds & certain antidepressants (Elavil,Cymbalta).Antiviral meds like Valtrex (valacyclovir) may shorten duration of outbreak.Post-herpetic neuralgia is a different ballgame.For this:tricyclic antidepressants, Neurontin, topical lidocaine & opioids are more effective.

Dr Anglade agreed

Answered 11/29/2014

3.5k views

Thank

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Had shingles before. Started w/ sensitive skin. Have same feeling on side of face. Anyway to detect/stop them before progessing?

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I have a compressed L 4&5 from A fall 25 years ago. It really hurts when I go to sleep when I lay on either side. I have also had shingles in the pa?

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Had shingles as a teenager and think I may again. Its under my bra strap along the left side of my rib cage. Its painful, not itchy. Hurts to breath?

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A rash (with blisters) appeared on my elbow two days ago and its burning, hurts like crazy. Im wondering if its a possibility it could be shingles? Ive never really had rashes, but its causing a lot of pain?

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First diagnosed as shingles but it's still there a year later. Now it's red/purple with hive like sores; burns and hurts. ?

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