What are the recommended treatments for managing pain associated with herpes zoster according to the chapter?

Recommended treatments for managing pain associated with herpes zoster include analgesics, topical capsaicin, and a paste of aspirin and water. Oral antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir may also be prescribed. Systemic corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressants, and gabapentin can help control pain, while narcotic analgesics are generally avoided.

To manage pain from herpes zoster, symptomatic treatment typically involves administering analgesics for pain relief. Topical treatments such as capsaicin applied five times a day or a paste made from aspirin and water can also decrease pain. Oral antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are commonly prescribed to reduce the duration and extent of lesions. Systemic corticosteroids may be used to alleviate pain and prevent postherpetic pain syndrome, although their use is controversial. Additionally, tricyclic antidepressants and gabapentin have shown variable success in pain control, while narcotic analgesics are generally avoided due to the risk of addiction.