How to choose the best cream for shingles

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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.

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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.

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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DEVIRS ^® is a unique ribavirin cream formulation for the treatment of genital herpes.

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Gerpferon – FIRN M

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Research

Therapeutic efficacy of Grippferon in children Report on the results of approbation of the therapeutic efficacy of the drug “Grippferon – nasal drops” in children

Herpferon, topical ointment is a highly effective drug for the treatment of herpetic infections of the skin and mucous membranes.

Today, there are over 100 types of herpes virus, 8 of which pose a threat to human health. The uniqueness of herpes viruses lies in the fact that they remain in the body for life, due to their ability to be in a “sleeping” state in nerve cells (ganglia) . The greatest danger is the herpes simplex virus (HSV) , which exists in the form of two immunological types HSV-1 (usually affects the face and mucous membranes of the mouth: lips, wings of the nose) and HSV-2 (affects , usually genitals) .

More than 90% of people are currently infected with this virus. Moreover, 10% of them have persistent relapses of the disease, especially genital herpes. Genital herpes poses a serious threat, as it often provokes severe diseases of the urogenital tract, leads to male and female infertility, miscarriages, infection of the fetus and newborn.

Another highly pathogenic variant of the herpes virus is herpes zoster (Herpes zoster) . It is caused by the Varicella zoster virus and is expressed by an acute lesion of the central nervous system. The disease occurs at any age, but most often occurs after 50 years of age, while, unlike herpes simplex, relapses occur much less frequently.

Herpferon, topical ointment is a highly effective drug for the treatment of herpes infections of the skin and mucous membranes, including genital herpes.

The dosage form includes human recombinant interferon alfa-2 (at least 20,000 IU/g) , acyclovir (3%) and lidocaine (1%) . The drug has no analogues in the world and is protected by a patent.

Composition of Herpferon:

Interferon alpha-2b human recombinant

Provides a pronounced antiviral effect and local immunomodulating effect.

Lidocaine

Relieves pain.

Acyclovir

Slows down the process of viral DNA replication.

Pharmacological action

A new dosage form of interferon alfa-2 in combination with acyclovir causes a complex antiviral and immunomodulatory effect, which enhances the pharmacotherapeutic effect of the use of this drug and significantly expands its spectrum of action compared to currently known monocomponent ointment and forms of interferon and acyclovir. Lidocaine, which is part of the drug, anesthetizes the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes, reduces itching, and polyethylene oxides stabilize the components of the drug and prolong their action. This combination of drugs has not previously been used to treat herpes infection.

Conducted preclinical tests on laboratory animals and cell cultures showed high therapeutic efficacy of the drug in experimental genital herpes. Clinical data have confirmed the validity of using a combination of these biologically active components, which simultaneously provide antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating and analgesic effects. During treatment with Herpferon , a pronounced analgesic effect was observed due to the introduction of lidocaine into the drug, and thus the patient’s quality of life was significantly improved.

Conducted clinical studies have convincingly proven the safety and good tolerability of the drug, confirmed the high therapeutic efficacy of ointment Gerpferon , especially in the recurrent course of the disease. In patients who took the drug, general malaise, headache stopped much earlier, itching, pain and fever at the site of the rash passed faster.

Indications for use

Primary and recurrent herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, genital herpes, shingles (Herpes zoster) .

How to use

The ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes in a thin layer 5 times a day with an interval of 4 hours. The duration of the course of treatment is from 5 to 10 days until the complete disappearance of herpetic lesions of the mucous membranes and skin.

Shelf life – 2 years. The drug is stored in a dry place out of the reach of children at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees C. including SARS and bird flu).

Grippferon with loratadine

Grippferon with loratadine, nasal ointment is a new original over-the-counter drug based on recombinant human interferon alfa-2b and second-generation antihistamine substance loratadine.

Oftalmoferon

Oftalmoferon, eye drops is a new highly active antiviral and antiallergic drug for the treatment of viral conjunctivitis (including conjunctivitis caused by herpes viruses, adenoviruses).

Allergoferon

Allergoferon, gel for local and external use is a drug for the treatment of year-round and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis.

Vagiferon

Vagiferon is intended for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, bacterial (non-specific) vaginitis, as well as vaginitis caused by mixed infection, as part of complex therapy.

Mycoferon

Mycoferon, gel for external use is a new original drug with interferon for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin. Has a wide spectrum of action. Heals cracks, eliminates itching of the skin.

Artificial Tears

“Artificial tears”, eye drops, compensates for the lack of tear fluid. The drug is a protector of the corneal epithelium, has a lubricating and softening effect.

Diclofenac Long

Diclofenaclong eye drops is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Nosolin-balm

Nosolin-balm, nasal drops is a new vasoconstrictor drug based on xylometazoline with menthol, eucalyptus and tea tree oil for the treatment of rhinitis and swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Vagisept

Vagisept, vaginal suppositories – a new effective drug for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and bacterial vaginitis of various etiologies Grippferon?

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