Treatment
Medication is the only way to treat shingles. If you suspect you have it, go to the doctor right away. He usually prescribes antiviral and pain medication to patients with shingles. Keeping the sores clean can also relief some pain and increase healing.
Prevention
The chickenpox vaccine and the shingles vaccine are recommended to prevent shingles. The chickenpox vaccine is a routine vaccine for children, and it is recommended for adults who never had chickenpox. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and older. Both of these vaccines reduce the chances of contracting shingles, however, they don't guarantee you won't get it. The vaccines will reduce the course and severity of the disease, though.
Think you have shingles? Use this symptom checker
Created by: Shannon Steffen