Ramsay Hunt syndrome

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

The following can help reduce the discomfort of Ramsay Hunt syndrome:

  • Keep areas affected by the rash clean.
  • Apply cool, wet compresses to the rash to ease pain.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).

If facial weakness makes it difficult for you to close one of your eyes, take the following steps to protect your vision:

  • Use moisturizing eyedrops throughout the day if your eye becomes dry.
  • At night, apply ointment to the eye and tape your eyelid shut, or wear an eye patch.
Prevention Treatments and drugs

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References
  1. Herpes zoster oticus information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ramsay2/ramsay2.htm. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
  2. Davis LE. Varicella zoster virus deafness and vertigo. In: Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0090&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&sid=1074288621&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0180&uniqId=224115609-5#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00153-1--s0180. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
  3. Neilan RE, et al. Otalgia. Medical Clinics of North America. 2010;94:961.
  4. Fort GG. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1074741540&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00027-5--sc0020&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00027-5--sc0020&uniqId=224270956-3. Accessed Oct. 27, 2010.
  5. Harpaz R, et al. Prevention of herpes zoster: Recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2008;57:RR-5.
  6. Guss J, et al. Infections of the external ear: Herpes zoster oticus. In: Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&sid=1074768459&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110&uniqId=224270956-6#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00138-5--s0110. Accessed Oct. 27, 2010.
DS00878 Jan. 8, 2011

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