Health Tip: Treating Shingles

(HealthDay News) — More than a million cases of shingles are diagnosed in the United States every year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Anyone who has had chickenpox is susceptible to getting the disease.

To treat shingles, doctors will usually prescribe one of three antiviral medications — acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir. These medications can reduce the duration of the shingles rash, decrease the severity of the rash and lower the risk of long-lasting complications.

Dermatologists recommend over-the-counter pain medications to help manage discomfort.

The academy says the best way to prevent the disease is to get the shingles vaccination.

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