How To Treat Shingles

Numbing Agents

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Numbing agents can be used to treat the pain associated with shingles. They might be used during flare-ups to reduce the amount of pain around the sores and blisters, or they might be used to treat chronic pain due to post-herpetic neuralgia. One of the most common numbing agents used is lidocaine, which can be delivered through a gel, skin patch, spray, or cream. Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic, meaning it's applied to the skin rather than ingested or injected. The medication also works as a local anesthetic, so it numbs one specific area rather than causing widespread numbness throughout the body. The goal of the medication is to stop pain and itching from skin conditions like insect bites, eczema, minor burns, scrapes, and blisters. In addition, the medication can be used to treat minor itching and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. The medication works by causing the skin and surrounding mucous membranes to experience a temporary loss of sensation.

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