Though there is no cure for herpes zoster virus, treatment may shorten the period of the illness and help prevent complications. Herpes zoster infection is caused by the relapse of varicella zoster virus (VZV), affecting the cranial or peripheral nerves. Years after causing the chickenpox, the VZV virus can become active again and cause nasty cold sores, skin rashes, and painful blisters. Typically, the virus relapses when the immune system is weak due to stress, disease, or aging. Medical scientists and physicians have been trying to find a cure for herpes zoster but have not yet found a sure cure for shingles.  

 

Even though there is no miracle cure to shingles, the doctors may prescribe medications and start treatment to control its symptoms and effects. But before starting any treatment, it is advised to consult a physician and determine whether you are affected by herpes zoster virus.

The most common symptoms of the virus infection are:

Even though a doctor starts a course of treatment to minimize the complications and control the herpes virus as soon as the cold sores or any of the above symptoms are seen, the sufferers need a permanent cure for shingles.  
 

 

If you are diagnosed with herpes virus, your physician will initiate treatment with antiviral medicines such as valacyclovir, famciclovir, or acyclovir for reducing the period and pain of herpes. Over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can be taken to minimize pain and cold sores. To prevent infection, topical antibiotics can be applied. In the absence of a permanent cure to the disorder, treatment should be started within three days of seeing the cold sores to prevent further complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. In severe cases of herpes, physicians often prescribe corticosteroids with antiviral medicines, yet they cannot find a sure cure for herpes zoster and cold sores.
 

 

As there is no cure for VZV, often the pain persists longer than a month after rashes and cold sores have subsided. This may be due to postherpetic neuralgia that can cause pain for months or years. Ongoing treatment includes antidepressant medicines, anticonvulsant, opioid, and topical anaesthetics that are available over the counter for pain relief.
 

 

In addition to your physician’s treatment course, certain home remedies can help ease the pain and the cold sores, but they also cannot guarantee a permanent cure. Do not cover cold sores and rashes too much; allow them to breathe. If you experience too much pain, it is advised to wrap the cold sores with a sports bandage. You can ice the rash for several hours. Mix some aluminum acetate in water and apply the mixture to the cold sores. You can make a mixture of 78 percent calamine lotion, 1 percent menthol, 1 percent phenol, and 20 percent rubbing alcohol, and apply it on the blisters and the rash.    

 

The best way to prevent herpes zoster virus is to have the herpes virus vaccine that boosts the specific T-cell count, thus reducing the sores and preventing herpes in patients who have already been vaccinated against chickenpox. Still, there is a need for a permanent cure of the herpes.