Fast therapy is very important In case of shingles within two days start the therapy

Avoid long-term consequences: In case of shingles, start with therapy within two days

A shingles, termed herpes zoster, is an infectious disease that affects the skin and nerves. Over-the-counter medications can not help the disease. Anyone who falls ill, should contact a doctor quickly to avoid long-term consequences.

Get shingles treated quickly

Shingles (medical term: herpes zoster) is a viral disease that is externally recognizable by a strip-shaped rash with blisters on the affected body parts. The infectious disease is very painful for patients and occurs mainly in the elderly or in patients with a weakened immune system. Health experts point out that the disease can be treated quickly.

A shingles should be treated quickly. Otherwise, long-term consequences such as post-zoster neuralgia may be at risk. (Image: phadungsakphoto / fotolia.com)

Avoid long-term consequences

Patients suffering from shingles should consult a doctor quickly and start therapy. For those who can not be treated, threatened long-term consequences such as post-zoster neuralgia (PZN).

"The nerve damage that leads to post-herpetic neuralgia can not be reversed," writes the Association of German internists (BDI) on its website "internists in the network".

According to the experts, treatment of shingles should be started within 72 hours of skin changes or as long as there are still fresh blisters.

Antidepressants for pain

Powders and creams are used to treat the skin rash.

In addition, the pain must be relieved so they do not become chronic. However, you often do not get far with over-the-counter medications.

"Not only usual painkillers are used but also remedies for depression. However, they are dosed lower than in depressive illnesses, "the internists say.

In addition, special patches and epilepsy medications are available for treatment.

Preventing serious illnesses

Patients should always be careful to avoid personal contact with pregnant women, as there is a particular risk of infection for the unborn child.

A transmission can trigger a chickenpox infection and lead to developmental problems in the child.

For prevention, a vaccine against shingles is available, which does not provide 100% protection, but according to Robert Koch Institute (RKI), among other things, could help prevent serious disease and very rare deaths. (Ad)