Shingles Treatment

How is Shingles Diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose shingles by examining the rash and blisters on the body. These rashes often appear in a band on one side of the body, such as one side of the face or torso. Doctors may also ask about your medical history, such as whether you have had chickenpox or shingles previously.

If the diagnosis is uncertain, doctors may recommend tests such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect varicella-zoster virus DNA, viral culture, or blood tests to identify specific antibodies.

How is Shingles Treated Based on Severity?

Here is a summary of the treatment recommended for mild, moderate, and severe cases of shingles:

Shingles Treatment for Different Stages

The shingles infection progresses in five stages, each with different symptoms and treatments. These treatments include:

Oral Medications for Shingles Treatment

The medicines specified below are typically prescribed for treating shingles:

• Antiviral Tablets: Medicines such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir can promote faster recovery and reduce symptom severity.

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can help manage acute pain associated with shingles.

• Antidepressants: Antidepressants such as amitriptyline or anticonvulsants such as gabapentin may be prescribed to manage persistent nerve pain after shingles.

Note: Follow your doctor's advice when undergoingsystemic treatment for shingles. Blood tests or other options may be necessaryto verify your response.

Other Treatments for Shingles

Apart from antiviral tablets, doctors often recommend the following treatment options for shingles:

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Shingles

Listed below are some alternative treatment options that can help treat the symptoms of shingles:

• Ayurvedic Treatments: Dosha-balancing approaches such as Pitta Shamak therapies for cooling and Vata Shamak therapies for calming the nerves may be used.

• Moisturisers and Lotions: Calamine lotions, witch hazel creams, and fragrance-free moisturisers can help soothe the shingles rash and relieve skin irritation.

Note: Seeking advice from aqualified medical practitioner is recommended before taking any alternative medical treatments for shingles.

Home Care for Managing Shingles

The simple home care measures for managing shingles are given below:

• Clean the rash gently with a fragrance-free cleanser.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes to help minimise friction and irritation.

• Wash your hands after touching the rash.

• Use a cool compress, such as wrapped ice or frozen vegetables, or a wet cloth, a few times a day.

• Avoid clothes made from rough fabrics that can irritate the affected skin.

Latest Treatment for Shingles in India

A newer preventive option for shingles in India is Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted), which was launched in India in 2023 to help prevent shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia in people aged 50 years and above. It is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine administered by intramuscular injection on a two-dose schedule.

How Long Does Shingles Treatment Take?

Let us take a look at the approximate duration of different types of shingles treatments:

Shingles Treatment Side Effects

The antiviral drugs prescribed for shingles may have the following side effects:

• Irritability

• Difficulty sleeping

• Trouble while concentrating

• Discouragement or sadness

• Feeling tired

• Lack of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Rare side effects like chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, cough, chills, and more.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Shingles

The lifestyle changes given below can help support recovery and make symptoms easier to manage:

• Take as much rest as possible during the recovery period.

• Try to avoid stress and activities that leave you exhausted.

• Maintain proper hygiene, especially around the affected skin.

• Keep yourself relaxed by doing enjoyable activities at home.

• Practise meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques.

Triggers that Can Worsen Symptoms of Shingles

Check out some activities and conditions that can irritate the shingles rash or make symptoms worse:

• Wearing tight clothing around the affected area.

• Scratching the rash or blisters.

• Experiencing emotional stress.

• Using saunas or being exposed to high heat, as sweat can irritate the rash.

• Having a massage, acupuncture, or other treatments directly on or near the affected area.

Shingles Treatment Cost

Shingles treatment costs up to ₹15,000, including antiviral medication (₹1,500 to ₹4,000), painkillers (₹800 to ₹3,000), creams or lotions (₹300 to ₹1,200), and corticosteroids (₹1,500 to ₹5,000). If hospitalisation is required for severe pain or complications, you may need to spend ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 a day, depending on the nature of the treatment.

Other treatment expenses include the cost of a varicella-zoster PCR test (around ₹4,300), a blood culture test (around ₹1,300), and consultation fees of doctors (₹700 to ₹1,500 per session).

Does Health Insurance Cover Shingles Treatment in India?

Yes, most health insurance plans cover shingles treatment in India. In-patient treatment, pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation expenses are generally covered under mediclaim policies. However, outpatient expenses, including doctor fees, antiviral pills, creams and diagnostic tests, are covered only if you have OPD cover.

Besides, if shingles has been diagnosed before policy purchase and is a pre-existing condition, a PED waiting period of up to 3 years will apply.

Generally, coverage of ₹10 lakh to ₹12 lakh is recommended to cover the treatment costs of shingles and any complications that may arise from the condition. However, elderly people or those with a weak immune system can choose a higher coverage.

Disclaimer: Make sure you read all policy documents carefully, as coverage terms may differ by insurer and policy type.