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What helps with ear pain from shingles?
If started early, antiviral drugs, like acyclovir, may help you get better faster. Your doctor also may give you a prescription for pain medication or a corticosteroid to help make you more comfortable and get rid of some of the inflammation. Infections usually clear up within a couple of weeks.
Can shingles on the face cause ear pain?
Unlike chicken pox, a shingles rash near the facial nerves by your ears can cause other complications, including facial paralysis and ear pain.
How long does the ear pain last with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?
If there is not much damage to the nerve, you should get better completely within a few weeks. If damage is more severe, you may not fully recover, even after several months. Overall, your chances of recovery are better if the treatment is started within 3 days after the symptoms begin.
How long does nerve pain from shingles last?
Signs and symptoms might include: Pain that lasts three months or longer after the shingles rash has healed. The associated pain has been described as burning, sharp and jabbing, or deep and aching.
Why does my ear hurt with shingles?
The nerve that controls your facial muscles passes through a narrow corridor of bone on its way to your face. Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears.
What does shingles in the ear feel like?
A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in, and around one ear. Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear.
Can shingles affect the inner ear?
Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears. In addition to the painful shingles rash, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.
Can shingles cause ear problems?
What is the best medication for shingles nerve pain?
Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe:
- Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza)
- Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline.
- Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, delivered via a cream, gel, spray or skin patch.