Medical professionals experienced in handling viral infections, such as dermatologists, internal medicine specialists, and sometimes general practitioners, can provide treatment for individuals dealing with shingles.
Shingles, a condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, affects nearly half of the population in the United States [9]. This virus, which also causes chickenpox, can lead to a variety of complications, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
In managing shingles, a multidisciplinary approach is essential. Dermatologists, primary care physicians (PCPs), pain management specialists or neurologists, infectious disease specialists, and ophthalmologists all play crucial roles.
Dermatologists, such as Dr. Adean Kingston and Dr. Breck Thrash, specialize in skin, hair, and nails, diagnosing and treating over 3,000 conditions [10]. They are at the forefront of shingles diagnosis and treatment, providing expert evaluation and administering appropriate protocols, including antiviral medications and pain relief [1][3].
PCPs often serve as the first line of defence, evaluating patients with shingles symptoms and initiating early treatment with antiviral drugs and pain management [2].
Pain specialists, often neurologists, become involved when shingles causes significant nerve pain, managing persistent nerve pain and complications following the acute rash [5]. In complex cases or for immunocompromised patients, infectious disease specialists may manage antiviral treatment and monitor disease progression [4].
Ophthalmologists, eye doctors who treat conditions involving the eyes and vision, handle cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), a type of shingles that affects the eye [8]. Anyone who develops a neurological complication from shingles or HZO should consult a neurologist or ophthalmologist, respectively.
Treatment options for shingles are plentiful, ranging from medications like antivirals, analgesics, corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressants, and topical creams, to home remedies and specialized care from healthcare professionals [6]. Dermatologists can also offer valuable advice and relief for people experiencing pain from shingles.
DOs, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, focus on medicine geared towards treating the whole person. They may suggest techniques such as myofascial release to help relieve pain and discomfort caused by shingles [7].
MDs, Doctors of Medicine, can diagnose and treat shingles, looking for symptoms such as a headache, fever, sore throat, and a red and blistering rash [11].
It's important to note that anyone experiencing shingles symptoms should contact a medical professional immediately. Early intervention can help reduce discomfort and lower the risk of long-term effects [12]. Approximately 10-20% of shingles cases affect the eye [8], emphasizing the importance of prompt medical attention.
Lastly, the Shingrix vaccine can prevent shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in over 90% of people over the age of 50 [13]. This vaccine, along with the multidisciplinary approach to care, ensures comprehensive treatment for both the rash and its complications.
- Dermatologists, such as Dr. Adean Kingston and Dr. Breck Thrash, specialize in skin, hair, and nails, and they are at the forefront of shingles diagnosis and treatment, providing expert evaluation and administering appropriate protocols, including antiviral medications and pain relief.
- In managing shingles, a multidisciplinary approach is essential, involving dermatologists, primary care physicians (PCPs), pain management specialists or neurologists, infectious disease specialists, and ophthalmologists.
- Pain specialists, often neurologists, become involved when shingles causes significant nerve pain, managing persistent nerve pain and complications following the acute rash.
- The Shingrix vaccine, which can prevent shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in over 90% of people over the age of 50, along with the multidisciplinary approach to care, ensures comprehensive treatment for both the rash and its complications.
