Until your shingles blisters scab over, you are contagious and should avoid physical contact with:
Anyone who has a weak immune system
Newborns
Pregnant women
These are signs of symptoms for shingles.
Pain, burning, numbness or tingling
Sensitivity to touch
A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
Itching
You can get treated for shingles by Antiviral medicines to reduce the pain and duration of shingles.
Pain medicines, antidepressants, and topical creams to relieve long-term pain.
There's no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include:
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Famciclovir (Famvir)
Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe:
Capsaicin cream
Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, delivered via a cream, gel, spray or skin patch
Medications that contain narcotics, such as codeine
An injection including corticosteroids and local anesthetics
Shingles generally lasts between two and six