Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Diagnosis & Treatment

Ramsay Hunt syndrome can affect anyone who has had chickenpox. It is more prevalent among the elderly, mainly affecting individuals over the age of 60. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is uncommon in children. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is not contagious. The varicella-zoster virus, on the other hand, can cause chickenpox in people who have never had chickenpox or been immunized against it. The sickness can be fatal in persons with compromised immune systems.

Diagnosis

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is frequently identified by doctors based on medical history, a physical exam, and the disorder’s particular signs and symptoms. Your doctor may extract a sample of fluid from one of the rash blisters in your ear for testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome as soon as possible can alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of long-term consequences. Medications may include the following:

Antiviral medications. Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are commonly used to treat chickenpox.
Corticosteroids. In Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a short course of high-dose prednisone appears to enhance the effect of antiviral drugs.
Medication for anxiety. Vertigo can be relieved with medications such as diazepam (Valium).

Home remedies and way of life

Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be relieved by doing the following:

Keep the rash-affected areas clean.
To relieve pain, use cool, moist compresses on the rash.
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
If you find it difficult to close one of your eyes due to facial weakness, take the following precautions to protect your vision:

If your eyes grow dry during the day, use hydrating eye drops.
Apply ointment to the affected eye and tape or wear an eye patch at night.

Also Read: Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes