My elderly aunt has had two outbreaks of schingles over the past year, now suspected postherpetic neuralgia.
She is trying emuaid but appears to have, at times, increased discomfort. She has used nearly a tube ( supposed to last 1 to 2 months0 in a week.
Could this be causing a problem using too much ?
newby question - anything recommendations to lessen pain ?
Thanks
Aloe vera gel helps relieve the itch and stops infectgions when i scratch, iget the itch which isnt painful but does drive me near demented, capsicum cream i got from doctors helped but was near as annoying owing to sweat and rubbing eyes etc...be very careful with tea tree oil u have to dilute it as it will burnskin...i am due an appoinment at dermatology this month so wll hopefully get answers then.
As an individual who has had recurrent severe shingles for 20 years along her facial and acoustic nerve, to come through the ear canal, every 3-5 weeks, may I suggest the following? If your aunt has no allergies to medications and is not on many other medications, I would ask her physician for lidocaine patches. I use Auralgon ear drops, containing benzocaine, a local anesthetic which soothes the pain. Since she is suffering from post herpetic neuropathy, the best treatment is an anti-seizure medication, or Lyrica, and/ or a Narcotic such as oxycodone, codeine, or hydrocodone, depending on her level of pain or discomfort. I take Topamax 100mg twice a day, which is an anticonvulsant, as it lessens the pain when I have shingles and reduces the post herpetic neuropathy. Lyrica is a weight gainer. Topamax is a weight loser. As she has gone through the homeopathic cream too quickly, it obviously isn't working. The older one is, the more excruciating the pain is from shingles. Most physicians fail to treat the pain adequately. I hope this helps your aunt. I truly know how people suffer. I am a Nurse Practitioner, Retired, but feel strongly that no one should ever suffer. Please let me know how this helps.
Thank you very much for thehelpful replies. My aunt is taking other medication, so will see what the doctor has to say. Will keep posted on any developments.
Thanks again - your time and willingness to help is much appreciated.
After ten years of recurrent shingles, thanks to this discussion group, the answer is L-lysine, an over-the-counter supplement. I take 1000 mg a day to keep it at bay and if it recurs, 3000 mg a day. It's really decreased the duration and severity of symptoms and has been nothing short of miraculous.
Thanks - I'll pass it on and hope it works for her.
I'll be away for a week so apologies if late response to any further posts
Unfortunately doctor not able to prescribe other medication.
However, good news emuaid is proving helpful now.
Thanks again everyone.