How to choose the best cream for shingles

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

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.

Was this helpful?

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

How to choose the best cream for shingles

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

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.

Was this helpful?

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

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Do you have skin problems? – Medsi

Is your skin itchy, burning, or covered in rashes and weird spots? Skin inflammation, changes in texture or color, and blemishes can be the result of an infection, a chronic skin condition, or exposure to an allergen or irritant. If you think you have one of these common adult skin problems, ask your doctor to check it out. Most of them are minor, but others may signal something more serious.

Herpes zoster
A rash of raised dots that turns into painful blisters is shingles. Shingles often appears on the trunk and buttocks, but can appear anywhere. The outbreak lasts about two weeks. You will recover, but the pain, numbness, and itching can last for months, years, or even the rest of your life. Treatment includes creams for your skin, antivirals, steroids, and even antidepressants. It is important to be treated early to prevent complications.

Urticaria
The rash looks like welts and may itch, sting, or burn. They vary in size and are sometimes joined together. They can appear on any part of your body and last from a few minutes to several days. Causes include extreme temperatures, infections such as pharyngitis, allergies to medications, food, and supplements. Antihistamines and skin creams may help.

Psoriasis
Thick red patches of skin covered in white or silver scales are signs of psoriasis. Doctors know how psoriasis works – your immune system makes new skin cells grow too fast – but they don’t know what causes it. The spots usually appear on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. They may come and go throughout your life. Treatment includes creams and ointments for your skin, medicines taken by mouth or by injection.
Unfortunately, at the moment there is no medicine that will remove this disease forever.

Eczema
Eczema is a general term for several non-contagious conditions that cause inflammation, redness, dryness, and itching of the skin. Doctors aren’t sure what causes eczema in the first place, but they do know that stress, irritants (like soap), allergens, and the climate can cause flare-ups. In adults, it often appears on the elbows, arms and in the folds of the skin. Several medicines treat eczema. Some are applied to the skin, while others are taken by mouth or by injection.

Rosacea
A tendency to blush easily, followed by redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead, may be rosacea. Over time, it may turn red with blood vessels that you can see. You may have thickened skin, bumps, and pus-filled pimples. It may even affect your eyes. Medications are available that are taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Doctors can treat damaged blood vessels and red or thickened skin with lasers.

Herpes (fever blisters)
The herpes simplex virus causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on your mouth or nose. Herpes lasts about 10 days and is easily spread from person to person. Triggers include fever, too much sun, stress, and hormonal changes. You can treat herpes with antiviral pills or creams. Call your doctor if the sores contain pus, the redness spreads, you have a fever, or if your eyes become irritated. They can be treated with prescription pills or creams.

Plant rash
Contact with an oily coating of poison ivy, oak causes rashes in many people. It starts with redness and swelling at the site, and then becomes itchy. The blisters usually appear within 12-72 hours after you touch the plant. A typical rash looks like a red line, the result of the plant touching your skin. The outbreak usually lasts up to 2 weeks. Treatment may include applying the medication to the skin or taking it by mouth.
Prescription or over-the-counter medications can help soothe itching. Try also cool compresses and oatmeal baths. Your doctor may prescribe medication for a severe rash and antibiotics for an infection. Learn to recognize these plants to avoid direct contact.

Irritations after shaving
This type of rash appears after shaving, when the sharp edge of short-cut hair curls back and grows into the skin. This can cause irritation, pimples, and even scars. To minimize these razor burns, take a hot shower before shaving, run the blade in the direction of hair growth, and do not stretch the skin. Always use shaving cream or shaving cream. Rinse with cold water, then apply moisturizer.

Fibroepithelial polyp
This small piece of flesh-colored or slightly darker cloth hangs from your skin on a stem. They are usually found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area. Skin marks most often appear in women and the elderly. They are not dangerous and usually do not cause pain unless they are irritated when clothing or nearby skin rubs against them.

Acne
Acne occurs when pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells become inflamed. Pores that remain open and darken are called blackheads: completely blocked pores are known as whiteheads. Bacteria and hormones cause acne, which most commonly appears on the face, chest, and back. You can also get pus-filled pimples and cysts. To help control pimples, keep oily areas clean and don’t press hard (this can cause infection and scars).

Sports foot
This fungal skin infection causes flaking, redness, and itching of your feet. You can also get blisters and sores. Athlete’s foot is contagious and is transmitted through direct contact. To prevent this, don’t share shoes with an infected person and don’t go barefoot in places like locker rooms or near swimming pools. Treat with topical antifungal lotions. The doctor may prescribe medication for more severe cases. During treatment, you will need to keep your feet and the inside of your shoes clean and dry.

Unusual moles
Moles, which are usually brown or black, can be anywhere on the body. They can appear singly or in groups and usually appear before the age of 20. Some moles change slowly over the years. They can go from flat to raised, grow hair or change color. Get your moles checked once a year by a dermatologist. Seek immediate medical attention for any changes, unusual or uneven color, bleeding, or itching.

Age or age spots
These pesky brown or gray spots are not actually caused by aging, although they become more common as we age. You get them from exposure to sunlight, which is why they tend to show up on your face and hands. You can try whitening creams, acid peels, and laser-based treatments to make them disappear. See a dermatologist to rule out serious problems such as melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Rosacea
A harmless rash, pityriasis rosea, usually begins as a single, scaly pink patch with a raised border. After a few days or weeks, it begins to itch and spread. The rash may be scattered all over the body. Doctors don’t know what causes it, but they don’t think it’s contagious. It often goes away in 6-8 weeks without treatment. Pink deprive most often manifests itself between the ages of 10 and 35 years.

Melasma (pregnancy mask)
Melasma (chloasma) is brown or gray patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. This is often referred to as the “pregnancy mask” because it occurs in half of all pregnant women. If it doesn’t go away on its own after the baby is born, you can treat it with prescription creams, over-the-counter drugs, or laser treatments. Sunlight makes things worse, so always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

Warts
In most cases, common warts appear on the fingers or hands. They are caused by the human papillomavirus. Warts spread when you touch something that is used by a person with the virus. To prevent new warts from forming, cover them with bandages, keep them dry, and don’t pick them off. They are usually harmless and painless. You can treat them with topical medicines or see a doctor for disability treatments. More advanced removal methods include surgery, lasers, and chemicals.

Seborrheic keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are benign growths that often appear with age. They can appear on many areas of the skin, either individually or in groups. They can be dark or multi-colored and usually have a grainy surface, although they can be smooth. You don’t need to treat them unless they get irritated or you don’t like the way they look. They are easy to confuse with moles or skin cancer, but a dermatologist can tell the difference.