What are the most effective OTC creams for shingles pain relief. How do creams, lotions, and ointments differ in treating shingles symptoms. Which prescription topical treatments are available for managing shingles discomfort.

Understanding Shingles: Causes and 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 your body for years before potentially resurfacing as shingles. The hallmark symptom of shingles is a painful rash that typically appears as a stripe on one side of the body, often wrapping around the torso.

While there is no cure for shingles, various treatment options are available to manage symptoms and reduce the duration of the outbreak. Antiviral medications prescribed by doctors can help shorten the course of the infection and decrease its severity. However, many individuals seek additional relief through topical treatments such as creams, ointments, and lotions to address the discomfort associated with shingles.

Topical Treatments: Creams, Lotions, and Ointments Explained

When it comes to managing shingles symptoms, it’s essential to understand the differences between various topical treatments:

• Creams: Composed of approximately equal parts oil and water, creams offer moisturizing properties and are thicker than lotions but thinner than ointments.
• Lotions: Primarily water-based with less oil content, lotions have a thinner consistency and are quickly absorbed by the skin. Some lotions are oil-free.
• Ointments: The thickest of the three, ointments are designed to remain on the skin’s surface rather than being immediately absorbed. They contain at least 80% oil.

Each type of topical treatment has its advantages, and the choice often depends on personal preference and the specific symptoms being addressed.

Over-the-Counter Creams for Shingles Relief

Several over-the-counter options are available for managing shingles symptoms:

Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy sensation in hot peppers, is available in cream form and can help desensitize nerve fibers. This may provide relief from postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a complication of shingles characterized by long-term nerve pain after the rash disappears. While capsaicin cream can be effective, it’s important to note that it may cause initial stinging or burning sensations upon application.

Calamine Lotion

Recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), calamine lotion can help alleviate itchiness associated with shingles. Apply a thin layer over the affected area, being careful not to create a thick crust on the skin.

Can calamine lotion be used on open shingles blisters? It’s generally safe to apply calamine lotion to shingles blisters, but it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if the blisters are open or oozing.

Prescription Topical Treatments for Shingles

For more severe cases or persistent symptoms, healthcare providers may prescribe stronger topical treatments:

Lidocaine Cream and Patches

Lidocaine 5% is a prescription medication that has shown effectiveness in treating PHN. Available in both cream and patch form, lidocaine can provide significant relief from nerve pain. Studies suggest that up to three patches can be applied within a 12-hour period, making it a flexible option for pain management.

Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) Cream

EMLA cream is a prescription medication containing a 1:1 ratio of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine. While research on its effectiveness for shingles is limited, some case studies suggest it may be a viable alternative to lidocaine cream, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions like kidney failure.

Topical Antibiotic Creams

Prescription antibiotic creams such as mupirocin or soframycin can help prevent bacterial infections around the shingles rash. These are particularly useful if there’s a risk of secondary infection due to scratching or open blisters.

Emerging Treatments and Alternative Options

As research continues, new treatments for shingles are being explored:

Liquid Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and Idoxuridine

While not FDA-approved for shingles in the United States, some studies suggest that frequent application of 5% to 40% idoxuridine dissolved in DMSO may accelerate healing time. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for widespread use in shingles treatment.

Are there any natural or homeopathic creams effective for shingles? While some natural remedies like aloe vera or tea tree oil may offer soothing effects, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using any alternative treatments, as their effectiveness and safety for shingles have not been thoroughly studied.

Combining Topical Treatments with Other Therapies

While topical treatments can provide significant relief, they are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include:

1. Antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor
2. Pain management techniques such as cool compresses or oatmeal baths
3. Stress reduction practices like meditation or gentle yoga
4. Proper nutrition to support the immune system
5. Adequate rest to promote healing

How can one determine which combination of treatments is best for their shingles case? The optimal treatment plan varies from person to person. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a tailored approach that addresses your specific symptoms and medical history.

Preventing Complications and Managing Long-Term Effects

While creams and other topical treatments can provide significant relief, it’s crucial to be aware of potential complications and long-term effects of shingles:

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

PHN is a common complication of shingles, affecting approximately 10-18% of patients according to the CDC. It’s characterized by persistent nerve pain that continues after the rash has healed. Topical treatments like lidocaine and capsaicin can be particularly helpful in managing PHN symptoms.

Secondary Infections

Open blisters from shingles can be susceptible to bacterial infections. Keeping the affected area clean and using prescribed antibiotic creams can help prevent this complication.

What are the signs that a shingles rash may be developing a secondary infection? Watch for increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the rash area. If you notice these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Special Considerations for Different Age Groups

The approach to managing shingles can vary depending on the patient’s age:

Older Adults

Seniors are at higher risk for developing shingles and may experience more severe symptoms. They may benefit from a combination of topical treatments and systemic medications to manage pain and prevent complications.

Young Adults

While less common in younger individuals, shingles can still occur. Young adults may respond well to topical treatments and may have a lower risk of developing PHN.

Children

Shingles in children is rare but possible. Treatment should be overseen by a pediatrician, who may recommend gentler topical options or adjusted dosages of medications.

Do children require different types of creams or lotions for shingles compared to adults? Children’s skin is often more sensitive, so healthcare providers may recommend milder formulations or lower concentrations of active ingredients in topical treatments for younger patients.

Future Directions in Shingles Treatment

Research into more effective treatments for shingles is ongoing. Some areas of focus include:

• Development of new antiviral medications with fewer side effects
• Exploration of novel topical formulations for better skin penetration and pain relief
• Investigation of combination therapies to address multiple symptoms simultaneously
• Advancements in vaccination to prevent shingles outbreaks

As our understanding of the varicella-zoster virus and its effects on the nervous system deepens, we can expect to see more targeted and effective treatments emerge in the coming years.

What promising new treatments for shingles are currently in clinical trials? Several pharmaceutical companies are investigating new antiviral compounds and pain management techniques specifically for shingles. While it’s too early to name specific treatments, the focus is on developing medications that can more effectively suppress viral replication and manage nerve pain with fewer side effects.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Support Shingles Recovery

In addition to topical treatments and medications, certain lifestyle adjustments can support recovery from shingles:

Dietary Considerations

A balanced diet rich in vitamins C and E, as well as foods high in lysine (such as fish, chicken, and eggs), may help support the immune system during recovery. Some studies suggest that a lysine-rich diet might help prevent recurring outbreaks of herpes viruses, including shingles.

Stress Management

Stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making shingles outbreaks more likely or more severe. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle physical activities like tai chi can be beneficial.

Clothing Choices

Wearing loose-fitting, soft clothing can help minimize irritation to the affected skin areas. Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton are often recommended.

Can certain fabrics exacerbate shingles symptoms? Synthetic or rough fabrics may irritate the skin and increase discomfort. It’s best to opt for soft, natural fibers that allow the skin to breathe and don’t rub against the rash.

The Role of Vaccination in Shingles Prevention

While this article focuses on treatments for active shingles outbreaks, it’s important to mention the role of vaccination in preventing shingles:

Shingrix Vaccine

The CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine for adults 50 years and older. This vaccine is highly effective at preventing shingles and its complications, including PHN. It’s administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart.

Vaccination After a Shingles Outbreak

Even if you’ve had shingles before, getting vaccinated can help prevent future outbreaks. However, it’s important to wait until the acute phase of the infection has resolved before receiving the vaccine.

How long after a shingles outbreak should one wait before getting vaccinated? Generally, healthcare providers recommend waiting at least until the rash has completely healed and any acute symptoms have resolved. This is typically about 6 to 12 months after the outbreak. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

In conclusion, while there is no cure for shingles, a combination of topical treatments, medications, and lifestyle adjustments can effectively manage symptoms and promote recovery. From over-the-counter creams to prescription medications, numerous options are available to address the pain, itching, and discomfort associated with shingles. As research continues, we can expect to see even more advanced treatments emerge, offering hope for those affected by this challenging condition.

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

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.