Cream for Shingles Pain and Management: What’s Available

Shingles is a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, called varicella-zoster. After you recover from chickenpox, this virus can remain dormant, or inactive, in your body for decades before becoming reactivated.

Its hallmark symptom is a rash on one side of your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that this rash most commonly appears as a stripe around your torso.

Shingles doesn’t have a cure. But doctors often prescribe antiviral drugs to shorten its duration and reduce the severity.

Topical treatments like creams, ointments, and lotions can help you manage irritation and itchiness. They may also help manage lingering nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Some topical treatments are available over the counter. For others, you will require a prescription from a medical professional.

Here’s an overview of the creams and other topical treatments available for shingles.

What’s the difference between cream, lotion, and ointment?

Ointments, lotions, and creams are three types of substances you can apply to your skin to help manage shingles.

These topicals are similar, but there are slight differences in their makeup. The primary difference is the amount of water and oil they contain.

According to this 2016 primer, creams are made up of about equal parts oil and water and often have moisturizing properties. They’re thicker than lotions but thinner than ointments.

Lotions are similar to creams, but they are made up mostly of water. They have less oil and have a thinner consistency. Because they’re thinner, your skin absorbs them more quickly. Some lotions are oil-free.

Ointments are the thickest of the three. They are made to stay on top of your skin instead of being absorbed immediately. Ointments are made up of at least 80 percent oil.

Topicals are not a substitute for medical treatment

Topical products can help you manage your symptoms. But they aren’t a substitute for proper medical treatment.

It’s important to visit your doctor if you’re dealing with shingles. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs and other medications that can shorten the duration of your infection and help you avoid severe complications.

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The following creams may be able to help you manage shingles symptoms.

Lidocaine cream and patches

Lidocaine 5% is a prescription medication. This 2017 study suggests that it’s one of the best-tolerated treatments for PHN.

PHN is a complication of shingles characterized by long-term nerve pain after your rash disappears. The CDC says that about 10 to 18 percent of people experience PHN after shingles.

Lidocaine is often administered in patches. The study linked above notes that up to 3 patches can be applied in a 12-hour window.

Capsaicin

cream

Capsaicin is the chemical found in hot peppers that makes them spicy. Capsaicin cream can desensitize nerve fibers and potentially help with PHN. You can get it over the counter (OTC) or with a prescription.

According to this 2016 review, capsaicin patches and creams are usually not recommended as a first-line treatment for PHN. This is because they can cause side effects like stinging or burning.

The 2017 study in the previous section indicates that capsaicin 0.075 percent cream can be applied four times per day.

Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream

EMLA cream is a prescription medication made up of a 1-to-1 ratio of 2.5 percent lidocaine and 2.5 percent prilocaine.

A 2018 case study of one person found that EMLA cream may make an effective alternative to lidocaine cream for treating PHN in people with special situations like kidney failure. However, there’s not much available research about its effectiveness. Most existing research is from the 1980s and ’90s.

A doctor can give you specific instructions on how to use EMLA cream.

Topical antibiotic creams

Topical antibiotic creams like mupirocin or soframycin can help prevent bacterial infection around a shingles rash. These antibiotics are only available by prescription. A doctor or pharmacist can recommend how often to apply them.

Other topical solutions that may help you manage your shingles symptoms include:

Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medication that the CDC says may help relieve itchiness. You can apply a thin layer of lotion over your blisters. Try not to put on so much that it forms a crust on your skin.

Liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine

Idoxuridine is an antiviral medication approved in Europe for treating shingles.

One 2015 publication suggested frequent application of 5 to 40 percent idoxuridine dissolved in DMSO may speed up the healing time of shingles. However, in the United States, idoxuridine is only FDA-approved to treat keratitis, a herpes simplex virus infection of the cornea of your eye.

Burow’s solution

Burow’s solution, or aluminum acetate, is an over-the-counter astringent. Astringents have a protective effect against inflamed and irritated skin.

There’s a limited amount of evidence that Burow’s solution can help heal shingles, but it’s possible that it may help soothe blisters.

You can try applying 5 percent aluminum acetate solution for about 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

Saline solution

Bathing your blisters in a saline solution several times a day may help reduce inflammation. You can cover your blisters with a nonstick bandage afterward to keep other people from coming into contact with the blisters.

Aloe and other botanical topical therapies

Aloe vera has antiviral effects. A 2016 study found evidence that it inhibits the growth of herpes simplex virus type 1.

It’s not clear if aloe vera gel is effective at treating shingles, but some people anecdotally report that it helps with redness and inflammation.

In a 2021 case report, one person showed substantial improvement after the application of a topical botanical formulation that included:

• lemon balm
• St. John’s wort
• Siberian ginseng
• English lavender
• licorice
• purple pitcher plant
• versabase gel (containing aloe vera)

When using a topical cream, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions or the instructions on the package. This should help you avoid unwanted side effects.

Applying topicals for too long or too often can lead to skin irritation or even more serious side effects.

Topical lidocaine can cause side effects like:

• severe burning, stinging, irritation
• swelling or redness
• confusion
• bruising
• unusual temperature sensation
• itching
• changes in skin color
• bruising or purpleness

Some topical solutions for shingles are available by prescription only. You can find others OTC.

OTC medications don’t require approval from a pharmacist. You can purchase them online, in pharmacies, and in other places that sell medications.

If you suspect that you have shingles, it’s important to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), treating shingles within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of minimizing complications like nerve pain.

Antiviral medications or other medications only available by prescription can shorten the duration of your shingles or lessen the severity.

If a cream or other topical isn’t reducing your pain, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor again. They may recommend trying another treatment like capsaicin cream instead of lidocaine.

If a product is making your symptoms worse, it’s important to stop taking it right away.

You may be able to reduce your symptoms using home remedies while you’re waiting to see a healthcare professional. These include applying a wet cold compress or taking a cool bath.

Learn more about shingles home remedies here.

The AAD suggests that treating shingles within the first 72 hours gives you the best chance of minimizing complications like nerve pain. A doctor may prescribe medications like:

• antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, to help your body fight off the virus quicker
• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to ease swelling and pain
• opioid medications, such as hydrocodone and tramadol (and less commonly morphine), to reduce pain
• other medications, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants
• antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, to treat itching
• numbing agents like lidocaine

Learn more about shingles treatment here.

Some creams or other topical medications may help you manage shingles symptoms. But they’re not a substitute for proper medical treatment.

It’s critical to visit a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation if you think you have shingles. They may prescribe antiviral drugs or other medications that can reduce your chances of developing long-term complications.

How to choose the best cream for shingles

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Shingles causes an itchy, painful, and blistering rash that typically affects one side of the body. Several creams are available that can reduce itching and discomfort from these rashes.

Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. Following chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains in the person’s nerves. Shingles occurs when the virus finds its way back to the skin.

Most people only have one instance of shingles in their lifetime, but some may develop it more than once. A person who develops a shingles rash cannot spread shingles to another person. However, they can spread chickenpox to anyone who is unvaccinated or has never had chickenpox.

A doctor may recommend antiviral medications, pain relievers, and over-the-counter (OTC) self-care creams to help ease the symptoms on the skin.

Several creams and ointments are available in local drug stores or online for managing shingles. This article reviews the best shingles creams and offers a few options.

Quick links

• DermaChange Natural Shingles Treatment and Relief Cream
• Shingbase Shingles Cream
• Terrasil Shingles Treatment Cream
• Humco Calamine Lotion
• Aloderma Organic Pure Aloe Vera Gel
• Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion

Many OTC creams contain natural ingredients. Though this may be appealing to some, it is important to keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these products. Studies on the effectiveness and safety of natural ingredients may also be lacking.

However, some creams contain ingredients that may help reduce shingles symptoms, such as lidocaine.

Shingles creams could provide temporary relief from symptoms such as pain and itchiness.

Before starting self-care for shingles at home, a person should talk with their doctor and get a formal diagnosis. In some cases, untreated shingles can lead to permanent nerve damage or vision loss, so a person should always seek medical treatment from a doctor before trying self-care creams.

When looking for topical, OTC shingles creams, a person may want to consider the following:

• Active ingredients: Some products only use natural ingredients, while others use low doses of medication.
• Effectiveness: Not all ingredients have strong, empirical evidence backing them up. A person may need to look at the experiences of other users.
• Cost: Some creams are more expensive than others. A person should pay attention to the total cost and the amount of cream each product contains to estimate its value.

Medical News Today chooses skin care products that meet the following criteria:

• Price: Products are available for a wide range of budgets.
• Ingredients: Products list all ingredients clearly.
• Skin concerns: Products target a specific skin concern.
• Safety: Products contain ingredients that are safe for topical use.
• Reputable: Products are from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.

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Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

DermaChange Natural Shingles Treatment and Relief Cream

DermaChange offers a cream that claims to contain only natural ingredients, including:

• aloe vera
• manuka honey
• coconut oil
• shea and cocoa butter

The product claims to provide instant cooling relief and states that manuka honey has several studies supporting its use. However, no study looks directly at its effect on shingles rashes and pain.

Aloe vera may help with reducing inflammation from a shingles rash. According to a 2019 study, aloe vera has several potential healing effects, including reducing inflammation.

The product claims to be safe for everyone, but a person should talk with their doctor before using it.

Users on Amazon give an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with over 4,500 reviews.

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Shingbase Shingles Cream

Shingbase uses lidocaine and menthol to help with shingles pain and itchiness.

Evidence suggests that lidocaine can be part of an effective treatment for shingles-related pain. This product contains 4% lidocaine, which could contribute to pain relief.

In addition, it also contains aloe vera and other natural ingredients that may help with inflammation and itchiness.

The product has an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 300 users on Amazon.

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Terrasil Shingles Treatment Cream

Terrasil shingles cream may provide relief from itchy and painful shingles rashes.

It contains all-natural ingredients that may appeal to people looking to avoid putting synthetic chemicals on their skin. In addition to cottonseed oil and beeswax, it contains activated minerals.

There are claims the minerals can help clear the skin, but there is no evidence of this. Of nearly 1,700 users on Amazon, the product earns a 4.3 out of 5 star rating, with many users indicating that the product works well for them.

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Humco Calamine Lotion

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using calamine lotion for shingles. Calamine lotion can create a cooling sensation to help with itching from conditions such as chickenpox.

In addition, it contains zinc oxide. This active ingredient may reduce inflammation, which can help relieve itching and pain from shingles.

A person can find calamine lotion on Amazon, where it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews.

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Aloderma Organic Pure Aloe Vera Gel

This gel claims only to contain aloe vera.

The company also claims to be eco-friendly and does not test on animals.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that aloe vera can relieve pain from shingles.

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Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion

Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion contains a combination of calamine and oatmeal. The two ingredients can soothe itchy skin from shingles.

The product specifically mentions chickenpox rashes and claims to be safe for most people to use.

The product has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from over 10,000 users on Amazon.

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A person can take other steps aside from applying medication to feel more comfortable while dealing with shingles. Steps include:

• seeing a doctor within 72 hours of developing a rash
• cleaning the rash daily
• protecting the rash with a thin layer of petroleum jelly
• covering the rash with a sterile bandage
• easing discomfort by applying a cool washcloth several times per day
• soaking in an oatmeal bath
• using calamine lotion after the blisters scab over
• wearing loose-fitting clothes

Not only should a person with shingles try to keep the skin rash as comfortable as possible, they should also take steps to fight the virus itself, including:

• getting plenty of rest
• eating a nutrient-rich diet
• drinking plenty of water
• avoiding stress

Shingles can cause an uncomfortable, itchy rash. Applying shingles cream can temporarily reduce the itching and pain from the disease. Some creams contain all-natural products, but others include medications.

Some shingles creams will work better than others. It is best to talk with a doctor for treatment and advice on the best shingles creams.

Neotanin cream for adults and children 50ml with free home delivery from VkusVill applied NEOTANIN cream: • double antipruritic action • rapid antipruritic effect (within a few minutes) • anti-inflammatory, astringent action with an antiseptic effect • in the localization of the lesion on the face • with extensive (more than 20% of the skin surface) lesions • in patients with steroidophobia (20-40% of patients) • in patients with severe concomitant somatic pathology • minimal risk of adverse reactions • does not stain the skin • available without a prescription • reasonable price. Mechanism of action: The main active component of NEOTANIN is synthetic tannin.

Tannins are substances that have an astringent, drying effect due to the ability to bind and precipitate proteins (proteins). Synthetic tannin has an anti-inflammatory effect (eliminates itching, swelling and redness), has an antimicrobial effect, accelerates healing. The second active component of NEOTANIN is polidocanol, which has an antipruritic effect. The antipruritic effect of polidocanol develops rapidly ( within 5 minutes) duration of action averages 3-4 hours. Polidocanol also enhances the astringent effect of tannin and promotes the healing of erosions. Scope: Conditions of the skin, accompanied by severe itching and irritation, violation of the integrity of the skin. Including: • exacerbation of atopic, allergic, contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, etc. • with diaper dermatitis • with chickenpox, herpes, shingles, etc. • with fungal skin lesions with erosions and cracks • with superficial pyoderma • with all dermatoses accompanied by itching ( in the composition of polidocanol, which has an antipruritic effect immediately after application to the skin) • with solar and domestic burns • with insect bites. Pregnancy and lactation: NEOTANIN can be used during pregnancy and lactation. However, during breastfeeding, the drug should not be used in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mammary glands in order to avoid accidental oral ingestion of the drug into the infant’s body during feeding.

Neotanin cream for adults and children 50ml / Pharmacy

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Description

In acute inflammation with itching (no weeping) applied NEOTANIN cream: • double antipruritic action • rapid antipruritic effect (within a few minutes) • anti-inflammatory, astringent action with an antiseptic effect • in the localization of the lesion on the face • with extensive (more than 20% of the skin surface) lesions • in patients with steroidophobia (20-40% of patients) • in patients with severe concomitant somatic pathology • minimal risk of adverse reactions • does not stain the skin • available without a prescription • reasonable price. Mechanism of action: The main active component of NEOTANIN is synthetic tannin. Tannins are substances that have an astringent, drying effect due to the ability to bind and precipitate proteins (proteins). Synthetic tannin has an anti-inflammatory effect (eliminates itching, swelling and redness), has an antimicrobial effect, accelerates healing. The second active component of NEOTANIN is polidocanol, which has an antipruritic effect. The antipruritic effect of polidocanol develops rapidly ( within 5 minutes) duration of action averages 3-4 hours. Polidocanol also enhances the astringent effect of tannin and promotes the healing of erosions. Scope: Conditions of the skin, accompanied by severe itching and irritation, violation of the integrity of the skin. Including: • exacerbation of atopic, allergic, contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, etc. • with diaper dermatitis • with chickenpox, herpes, shingles, etc. • with fungal skin lesions with erosions and cracks • with superficial pyoderma • with all dermatoses accompanied by itching ( in the composition of polidocanol, which has an antipruritic effect immediately after application to the skin) • with solar and domestic burns • with insect bites. Pregnancy and lactation: NEOTANIN can be used during pregnancy and lactation. However, during breastfeeding, the drug should not be used in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mammary glands in order to avoid accidental oral ingestion of the drug into the infant’s body during feeding.

Manufacturer

KorolevPharm

Composition

water, cetearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, glyceryl stearate, ceteareth-20, ceteareth-12, cetyl palmitate, glycerin, laureth-9, phenol sulfo sodium nat, sodium polyacrylate, dimethicone, allantoin, xanthan gum , phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin.

Storage conditions

Store at room temperature.

This product can be supplied by several manufacturers. For this reason, the information is different. Data corresponding to a particular product is always presented on the label. The appearance of the product in the store may also differ from the image in the photo.

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Shingles ointment: choosing the most effective drug

Doctor  Maria Nikolaeva  

Herpes zoster is manifested by pain along the nerve affected by the virus and blisters. The appearance of such symptoms indicates that the herpes virus has activated in the body, which entered the body in childhood and lives inside the nerve cells. To cope with herpes is almost impossible. Treatment is the elimination of external symptoms. Therefore, along with tablets, ointments for shingles are widely used.

What ointments are used for for shingles

Herpes zoster begins with chicken pox in children. After recovery, the virus never leaves the body. When immunity is weakened, it wakes up, manifests itself in the form of shingles, most often in the elderly.

Treatment of herpes zoster on the body is carried out simultaneously in several directions and is an appointment:

• tablets containing antiviral substances;
• topical ointments containing antiviral components;
• immunomodulatory drugs.

Ointments for shingles have a complex effect. Shingles is most often accompanied by unbearable burning pain along the affected nerve, so therapy involves the use of painkillers, including drugs with cooling, analgesic components.

With herpes zoster, the skin is severely affected, which serves as a beneficial environment for bacterial or fungal infections. To eliminate such manifestations, to prevent the development of infections in the treatment of adults, antibiotic ointments are required.

Herpes zoster treatment

Types of ointments used

Ointments for shingles in humans contain antiviral components that target the cells of the virus. The doctor selects the remedy after finding out at what stage the lichen is, how affected the skin is.

Antiviral creams speed up the relief of shingles symptoms. Ingredients in these products:

• slow down the further development of lichen;
• prevent possible complications;
• reduce puffiness;
• reduce the number of rashes;
• reduce the intensity of pain and discomfort.

In addition, drugs are prescribed to relieve the condition of herpes zoster:

• with analgesic effect;
• with local immunomodulatory effects.

It is not necessary to select remedies for lichen of your choice, antiviral drugs have a rather strong effect, they harm not only the cells of the herpes virus, but also healthy cells. Simultaneous treatment with tablets and topical agents accelerates healing, minimizes the risk of complications, the skin heals faster, without scarring.

Ointments without tablets effectively help only in the initial stages. If the disease is advanced, the use of creams alone is ineffective and slows down the cure.

How to smear shingles – a list of drugs

For local treatment, the doctor prescribes ointments and creams. They should be applied with cotton swabs or swabs, slightly protruding beyond the boundaries of the skin area with rashes. This is done 4-5 times a day for about 10 days.

Antiviral ointments for herpes zoster

Most often, doctors prescribe Acyclovir or products containing it. Usually these are tubes of 2-20 mg. The ointment helps to quickly stop the symptoms, slows down the spread of lichen, and relieves complications. Also:

• accelerates healing;
• relieves pain, discomfort;
• stimulates the immune system;
• reduces puffiness.

After a few days of use, the sores begin to dry out and become covered with crusts. “Acyclovir” is valued because of the low price and good effect. Apply the drug 2-5 times a day, a course of 7 days, if the lichen is not started.

Acyclovir

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Acyclovir: choice of form and tolerability of the drug, consequences

In addition to acyclovir, other antiviral ointments are used for shingles:

1. “Gerpevir”. Ointment based on the active substance acyclovir. His appointment is recommended if “Acyclovir” has not been able to cope with lichen. Apply it 3 times a day for at least 7 days, as soon as the first symptoms of lichen appear. After opening the vials, the dosage should be reduced. With severely weakened immunity, the dosage and duration of treatment are doubled.
2. Zovirax. Imported drug “Acyclovir”. Slows down the synthesis of the virus, reduces its activity, relieves inflammation, reduces the number of skin rashes, activates local immunity
3. Vectavir. An agent based on penciclovir. Suppresses viruses at the level of DNA cells. It remains inside the cell for up to 12 hours, which leads to a complete blockage of the spread and development of the virus, without affecting healthy cells. You need to be treated for 5 days every 2 hours. It is impossible in childhood, during pregnancy and allergies.
4. “Fenistil Pencivir”. Ointment (1%). Inhibits the activity of the virus. Stimulates the formation of interferon. It is applied in a thin layer with an interval of 2 hours on the affected areas, with the exception of the mucous membranes.
5. Alpizarin. Contains plant components, has an antiviral, immunomodulatory effect. Antibacterial drug.
6. “Epigen”. Spray contains glycyrrhizic acid. Eliminates itching, inhibits the development of the virus, stimulates local immunity in shingles.
7. “Panavir”. Gel with antiviral action, immunostimulant.

Hyporamine (5%) is also considered an effective drug for herpes zoster. Cream with the inclusion of sea buckthorn. Inhibits the spread of lichen. With a mild form of lichen, apply up to 6 times in a course of 4 to 10 days. Difficult cases are treated for about 3 weeks. Sometimes allergic reactions are possible.

Ointments to prevent bacterial and fungal infections

If the disease is advanced or a person, unable to withstand severe itching, begins to comb the rashes, tear off the crusts with his hands, then a bacterial infection is possible. Need to assign:

1. Tetracycline ointment. Broad spectrum antibiotic with antimicrobial activity.
2. Erythromycin ointment. Antibacterial effect.
3. Solcoseryl. Ointment or gel. Heals wounds, regenerates the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. It is applied 3 times a day, pre-treat and clean the affected area with antiseptics.

Tetracycline ointment and Solcoseryl

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Lichen gangrenosum may develop after bacterial infection of the skin with rashes.

At this stage, “Cycloferon” or “Genferon” is prescribed, drugs with a complex anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic, antipruritic effect. These drugs simultaneously serve to stimulate the immune system.

Immunomodulatory ointments

The main way to counteract the herpes virus is to strengthen the immune system, as a decrease in protective forces causes repeated manifestations of lichen. For the treatment of herpes, drugs with an immunostimulating effect on the body are prescribed. Their main action is the production of interferons in the body.

Can be used for herpes zoster drugs that act on the immune system at the local level:

1. “Gerpferon”. Ointment with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic effect.
2. “Viferon”. Antiviral, immunomodulatory effect.
3. “Amixin”. Reduces the activity of the virus, strengthens the immune system.

Viferon and Herpferon

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Topical antihistamines for herpes zoster

Can be used for the treatment of antihistamine ointments if the patient feels severe unbearable itching:

1. “Fenistil”. Antipruritic agent, accelerates the healing of the skin.
2. “Cetizirin”. Removes puffiness, itching.

Pain relief ointments

Herpes zoster is always accompanied by unbearable burning pain. Therefore, the appointment of painkillers is necessary, including locally.

Gel with lidocaine “Gerpferon” slows down the replication of the virus, has an analgesic effect, prevents the appearance of new rashes, possible complications of herpes zoster.