How is shingles treated?

The incidence of shingles is relatively high in summer and autumn. In the early stage of the disease, you will have a low fever, feel weak all over, feel pain in the area with herpes, and have toothache. The most common sites of the disease are the waist, chest and abdomen, and 70% of patients suffer from the disease here. Shingles is very uncomfortable and has a great impact on patients. So, how should shingles be treated?

1. Antiviral treatment (1) Acyclovir is very effective against herpes simplex, but less sensitive to varicella-zoster. It is effective if used within 3 to 4 days of onset. In addition to oral administration (see the previous section), it can be slowly injected intravenously, 250 mg once every 5 to 12 hours, for a course of 5 days.

(2) Adenosine (Vira-A) and cytarabine (Ara-C) can prevent viral DNA synthesis and interfere with its replication. Administer within 1 week of onset. It can prevent new blisters and shorten the duration and severity of pain. It is mainly used for elderly and frail patients, but attention should be paid to the drug's damaging effects on the liver and bone marrow. The dosage of Vira-A is 10 mg/(kg·d), and that of Ara-C is 1.5 mg/(kg·d), both are added to 1000 ml of 5% glucose solution and injected intravenously for 5 consecutive days.

(3) Interferon: 1 to 3 million units per day. Intramuscular injection can interfere with the replication process of viral particles and prevent their proliferation. It has a better effect on elderly patients and critically ill patients.

2.Immune enhancement therapy

(1) Transfer factor: 2-4 ml subcutaneous injection in the axillary or groin area can quickly stop the appearance of new blisters, relieve pain, and gradually subside the inflammatory response. If necessary, inject again within 24 to 48 hours.

(2) Cimetidine (cimetidine): 800 mg/d, orally in 4 divided doses. This product acts as a histamine H2 receptor antagonist. Antagonize T suppressor cells to produce histamine-induced inhibitory factor, thereby enhancing the body's cellular immune function.

(3) Normal human immunoglobulin: 0.6-1.2 mg/(kg·d), intramuscular injection, twice a week.

3. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment

(1) Severe cases should be treated with bed rest and supportive therapy.

(2) Early use of short-term, low-dose prednisone (30 mg/d) can reduce host inflammatory responses and tissue damage, especially in preventing persistent cranial nerve palsy and severe eye diseases. However, it cannot be used for patients with serious complications, such as widespread viral infection, severe tuberculosis or bacterial infection; nor can it be used for patients with contraindications, such as hypertension, diabetes, gastric and duodenal ulcers, etc. Prednisone should be used together with antiviral drugs (such as interferon).

(3) For patients with secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used.

Patients should strengthen their physical fitness and improve their resistance, especially the elderly should insist on exercising, but not too intensely. Preventing infection is crucial. Pay attention to adding or removing clothes when the seasons change, avoid catching cold, try to wear a mask when going out, strengthen nutrition, eat more high-protein foods such as soy products, fish and lean meat, and avoid contact with toxic chemicals.