Ointment shingles. Shingles Cream: Top Topical Treatments for Pain Relief and Management

11.09.202319.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the most effective creams for shingles pain. How do topical treatments help manage shingles symptoms. Which over-the-counter and prescription options are available for shingles relief. What is the difference between creams, lotions, and ointments for shingles. How can topical solutions alleviate postherpetic neuralgia.

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Understanding Shingles and Its Symptoms

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body for years before resurfacing as shingles. The primary symptom of shingles is a distinctive rash that typically appears as a stripe on one side of the body, often around the torso.

While there is no cure for shingles, various treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce the duration of the outbreak. Antiviral medications prescribed by doctors are the primary treatment, but topical solutions can play a crucial role in symptom management.

Creams, Lotions, and Ointments: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to topical treatments for shingles, you’ll encounter three main types: creams, lotions, and ointments. Each has unique properties that make them suitable for different purposes:

Creams: Composed of roughly equal parts oil and water, creams offer a balance between moisturizing properties and absorption.
Lotions: Primarily water-based, lotions are thinner and absorb more quickly into the skin. Some lotions are oil-free.
Ointments: The thickest of the three, ointments contain at least 80% oil and are designed to remain on the skin’s surface longer.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the most appropriate topical treatment for your shingles symptoms.

Lidocaine: A Powerful Pain Relief Option

Lidocaine is a widely used topical anesthetic that can provide significant relief for shingles-related pain, particularly postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Available as a 5% cream or in patch form, lidocaine is a prescription medication that has shown excellent tolerability among patients.

How effective is lidocaine for shingles pain? A 2017 study suggests that lidocaine 5% is one of the best-tolerated treatments for PHN, a complication affecting 10-18% of shingles patients. The study noted that up to three lidocaine patches could be applied within a 12-hour window for optimal pain relief.

Capsaicin Cream: Harnessing Nature’s Pain Fighter

Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness in hot peppers, has found its way into topical treatments for shingles. Available both over-the-counter and by prescription, capsaicin cream works by desensitizing nerve fibers, potentially alleviating PHN.

Is capsaicin cream a first-line treatment for shingles pain? While effective, a 2016 review suggests that capsaicin patches and creams are typically not recommended as a first-line treatment due to potential side effects like stinging or burning. However, for those who can tolerate it, a 0.075% capsaicin cream applied four times daily may provide relief.

EMLA Cream: A Unique Anesthetic Blend

EMLA cream, a prescription medication, combines lidocaine and prilocaine in a 1:1 ratio. This eutectic mixture of local anesthetics offers another option for managing shingles pain, particularly in specific patient populations.

Can EMLA cream be effective for shingles-related pain? A 2018 case study suggested that EMLA cream might be an effective alternative to lidocaine cream for treating PHN in patients with special conditions, such as kidney failure. However, more extensive research is needed to fully understand its efficacy in shingles treatment.

Topical Antibiotics: Preventing Secondary Infections

While not directly treating the shingles virus, topical antibiotic creams play a crucial role in preventing secondary bacterial infections that can complicate shingles outbreaks. Prescription options like mupirocin or soframycin can be applied to the affected area to reduce the risk of infection.

How often should topical antibiotics be applied for shingles? The frequency of application depends on the specific antibiotic and the severity of the outbreak. Always follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s recommendations for the best results.

Over-the-Counter Options for Symptom Relief

Several over-the-counter topical treatments can help manage shingles symptoms, particularly itching and discomfort:

Calamine lotion: Recommended by the CDC for relieving itchiness, calamine lotion can be applied in a thin layer over blisters.
Cool compresses: Applying cool, wet compresses to the affected area can help soothe irritated skin and reduce pain.
Colloidal oatmeal baths: Soaking in a lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal can help relieve itching and discomfort.

These readily available options can provide immediate relief while you wait for prescription treatments to take effect.

Emerging and Alternative Topical Treatments

Research continues to explore new topical solutions for shingles management. Some emerging and alternative treatments include:

Liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine: A 2015 publication suggested that frequent application of 5-40% idoxuridine dissolved in DMSO might speed up shingles healing time. However, idoxuridine is not FDA-approved for this use in the United States.
Burow’s solution: This aluminum acetate solution can help dry out oozing lesions and provide relief from itching and burning.
Essential oils: Some patients report relief from using diluted essential oils like peppermint or tea tree, though scientific evidence is limited.

While these options show promise, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative treatments.

The Importance of Comprehensive Shingles Management

While topical treatments can significantly alleviate shingles symptoms, they should not be considered a substitute for proper medical care. Antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor remain the cornerstone of shingles treatment, helping to shorten the duration of the outbreak and reduce the risk of complications.

When should you seek medical attention for shingles? It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider as soon as you suspect you have shingles. Early intervention with antiviral drugs can make a significant difference in the course of the infection and help prevent long-term complications like PHN.

Combining Topical and Systemic Treatments

For optimal shingles management, many healthcare providers recommend a combination of systemic antiviral medications and topical treatments. This multi-pronged approach addresses both the underlying viral infection and the symptoms it causes, providing comprehensive relief and potentially speeding up recovery time.

How can you create an effective shingles treatment plan? Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment strategy that may include:

Antiviral medications to fight the virus
Pain management solutions, including topical and oral options
Symptom-specific treatments for itching, burning, or other discomforts
Preventive measures to avoid complications and spread

Long-Term Management of Postherpetic Neuralgia

For some individuals, the pain associated with shingles can persist long after the rash has healed, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Topical treatments can play a crucial role in managing this chronic pain condition.

Which topical treatments are most effective for long-term PHN management? Lidocaine patches and capsaicin cream are often recommended for PHN, but the choice of treatment may depend on individual factors such as pain severity, skin sensitivity, and overall health. Some patients find relief with a combination of topical and oral medications.

The Role of Skin Care in Shingles Management

Proper skin care is an often overlooked aspect of shingles management. Keeping the affected area clean and moisturized can help prevent secondary infections and promote healing.

What are some key skin care tips for shingles patients?

Gently clean the affected area daily with mild soap and water
Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent skin dryness
Avoid scratching or picking at blisters to prevent scarring and infection
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to minimize irritation

Preventing Shingles: The Role of Vaccination

While topical treatments are crucial for managing shingles symptoms, prevention remains the best approach. The shingles vaccine is a powerful tool in reducing the risk of developing this painful condition.

Who should consider getting the shingles vaccine? The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for adults 50 years and older, including those who have had shingles in the past or have received the older shingles vaccine. The current vaccine, Shingrix, is highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications.

The Future of Shingles Treatment

As research into shingles and its management continues, new topical treatments and innovative approaches may emerge. Scientists are exploring novel drug delivery systems, combination therapies, and even nanotechnology to enhance the effectiveness of topical treatments for shingles and PHN.

What potential advancements might we see in shingles treatment? Future developments could include:

More targeted pain relief medications with fewer side effects
Advanced delivery systems for better absorption of topical medications
Personalized treatment plans based on genetic factors and individual risk profiles
Improved vaccines that offer longer-lasting protection against shingles

Navigating Insurance Coverage for Shingles Treatments

The cost of shingles treatments, especially prescription medications and long-term management of PHN, can be a concern for many patients. Understanding insurance coverage for these treatments is crucial for ensuring access to necessary care.

How can patients navigate insurance coverage for shingles treatments? Consider these steps:

Review your insurance policy to understand coverage for antiviral medications and topical treatments
Discuss generic options with your healthcare provider, as these may be more affordable
Inquire about patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies
Consider flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) to help cover out-of-pocket expenses
Appeal insurance denials if you believe a treatment is medically necessary

The Psychological Impact of Shingles

While much focus is placed on the physical symptoms of shingles, the psychological impact of the condition should not be overlooked. The pain, discomfort, and potential for long-term complications can take a toll on mental health.

How can patients address the psychological aspects of shingles? Consider these strategies:

Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
Engage in gentle physical activity as allowed by your doctor to boost mood and overall well-being
Consider talking to a mental health professional if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression related to your condition
Focus on self-care and maintain a positive outlook on recovery

Educating Others About Shingles

Raising awareness about shingles, its symptoms, and available treatments is crucial for early detection and proper management. Many people may not recognize the early signs of shingles or understand the importance of prompt treatment.

How can individuals help spread awareness about shingles? Consider these approaches:

Share your experience with friends and family to help them recognize symptoms
Encourage older adults to discuss the shingles vaccine with their healthcare providers
Support shingles awareness campaigns in your community
Share reliable information about shingles on social media platforms
Advocate for better coverage of shingles treatments and vaccines in health insurance policies

By understanding the various topical treatments available for shingles, from prescription creams to over-the-counter solutions, patients can work with their healthcare providers to develop an effective management plan. While these topical treatments play a crucial role in symptom relief, they should always be used in conjunction with prescribed antiviral medications for the best outcomes. As research continues, we can look forward to even more effective and targeted treatments for shingles and its complications in the future.

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.

Was this helpful?

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.

Cream for Shingles Pain and Management: What’s Available

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.

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.

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.

Was this helpful?

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