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Pharmacy Link

BODY SIGNAL ALERT EAR, PIMPLES OR RASH ALONG: TREATMENT AND SPECIAL MENTION FOR THE ELDERLY

As with any viral infection, the most severe period is the initial flare-up. When your physician determines that your rash is Ramsay Hunt syndrome, he will treat it with corticosteroidal preparations in either oral or topical form. But because the virus hides in the nerves of the spine for many years, it may cause permanent nerve damage when it surfaces after being dormant for decades. Though this is rare, you should see a neurologist at the first sign of a flare-up.

Special Mention for the Elderly

When an elderly person is affected with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, an extremely painful condition called postherpetic neuralgia can sometimes occur. Men and women 60 years and older are prone to postherpetic neuralgia because of their naturally lower immune systems. Postherpetic neuralgia is signified by facial paralysis, constant headache, and severe pain where the rash initially occurred.

Medications such as Zovirax and pain medications will help lessen the outbreak. If pain persists, a medication such as Zostrix can be very helpful in alleviating it.

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