What are the treatment options for recurrent VZV infection?

Acyclovir, valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir are effective treatments for herpes zoster and ideally should be started within 72 hours of the appearance of the rash to decrease the duration of symptoms and severity of pain.

Can Ramsay Hunt be cured?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is usually effectively treated, but some people may have permanent facial muscle weakness and hearing loss. The risk of complications drops significantly with prompt and proper treatment. The longer the person has to wait for treatment, the smaller the chances of making a complete recovery.

Which nerve is affected in Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

Causes. The varicella-zoster virus that causes Ramsay Hunt syndrome is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. In people with this syndrome, the virus is believed to infect the facial nerve near the inner ear. This leads to irritation and swelling of the nerve.

What type of doctor treats Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

You’re likely to start by first seeing your family doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in nervous system disorders (neurologist) or to an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist).

What is the most common treatment for varicella-zoster virus?

Adults with herpes zoster can be treated with oral acyclovir at a dose of 800 mg five times daily. The recommended dose of intravenous acyclovir for VZV infections is 10 mg/kg every 8 hours, although higher doses (12–15 mg/kg) are sometimes used for life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Which drug is most commonly used to treat severe varicella infection?

If you or your child are at high risk of complications, your doctor may suggest an antiviral drug such as acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig). This medication might lessen the severity of chickenpox when given within 24 hours after the rash first appears.

How do I get rid of Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

The treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome commonly involves antiviral medications, like acyclovir or famciclovir, in conjunction with corticosteroids, like prednisone.

What’s the difference between Bell’s palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

Compared with Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis without rash), patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome often have more severe paralysis at onset and are less likely to recover completely.

Is 7 days of acyclovir enough for shingles?

For treatment of shingles: Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) three times a day for seven days. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Is acyclovir good for chickenpox?

Acyclovir is a safe treatment that reduces the duration and severity of chickenpox in normal children when therapy is initiated during the first 24 hours of rash.

What triggers Ramsay Hunt syndrome?

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox clears up, the virus still lives in your nerves. Years later, it may reactivate. When it does, it can affect your facial nerves.