As always talk to your doctor before you try over the counter creams and lotions. Even though some of the natural herb remedies can be helpful for your Shingles pain, knowing when and how to you use them is important.

Whether this is your first bout with Shingles or it is a recurrence, make sure you are keeping up with the latest treatments. Since the discovery of the Shingles vaccine, technology is helping to find new ways to help those with the Shingles virus, and those that may be suffering with Postherpetic neuralgia . The condition is actually pain that has lingered on after the rash and blisters have healed. So lets take a look at some of the creams and lotions available to help with Shingles.

Shingles Treatment Cream and Lotions

• Calamine lotion contains both iron oxide and zinc oxide which aids in its ability to soothe shingles outbreak. Its available over the counter, so no prescription is needed. To apply, generously spread the lotion on the rash with a cotton ball. Also available over the counter is capsaicin, which is a cream used to relieve pain after the rash has healed. Capsaicin decreases the substance P, which sends pain signals to the brain.
• Burow’s Solution is an aluminum-acetate astringent that is best for shingles that develop blisters. It comes in packets which are then mixed with water to create cream or paste. For more severe cases, you can mix up to three packets to create a stronger remedy and has shown to be a very effective Shingles treatment cream.
• Licorice root is an herbal gel that can be used for pain and to prevent the spreading of the virus. St. John’s Wart oil is another herbal treatment for shingles because of its anti-inflammatory properties. However, St. John’s Wart oil should not be applied if the skin is broken due to its ability to irritate blisters. Both of these remedies can be found in an herbal store.
• Licodaine, only available by prescription, is a gel that numbs the infected area providing relief from pain and itching. This cream is not intended for facial use. Its also available in a spray for easier application.
• Iren 100% Natural Shingles Cream is a topical solution safe for all skin types. All the ingredients are natural, thus eliminating any adverse side effects. It relieves itching, pain, discomfort and inflammation. Results from the cream are typically seen in a week. This is because of its ability to heal faster. It penetrates deep in the pores and prevents future shingle disorders if used as a preventive care method. It is applied with the fingertips up to five times a day.

The healing process takes time, so know in advance that for most people it takes a couple of weeks or months for the scaring and pain to go away. You can always get a nurse or aid to help, but hopefully you have someone to help you apply the Shingles treatment cream and ointments.

Capsaicin cream has been used for years to treat any number of ailments including shingles. Capsaicin is the active ingredient found in chili peppers that is sometimes used for postherpetic neuralgia. This substance has an analgesic effect when applied to the skin because it depletes a substance P, a neurochemical that transmits pain. However, side effects can include burning or stinging at the infected area. Furthermore, you should try to wear disposable gloves and not use around the eye or broken skin when applying.

Proteolytic enzymes, enzymes produced naturally in the pancreas, are also used to treat shingles. These enzymes help digest protein. There are supplements derived from animal pancreas, papaya and pineapple and available from many sources. However, these enzymes, particularly the bromelain and papain derived from pineapple and papaya respectively, should not be used in conjunction with aspirin, blood thinners and wafarin. Side effects may include allergies and digestive upset, particularly from those who have allergies from papaya and pineapple.

You may also try other methods such as tai chi to help build the immune function or the elderly population most susceptible to shingles. The affliction is more common in older adults between 60 and 80 with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include chills, fever and headache as well as burning, itching, numbness, pain and tingling followed by a red rash accompanied by fluid-filled blisters on one side of the chest, face or neck.

Trying to find natural remedies for Shingles may seem like common sense, but most doctors know that the virus needs to run its course. What most people will get will be some time type of relief from the Shingles symptoms that will need to be prescribed by your Doctor and the picked up as a prescription.

The use of hynosis to help with the mental stress may relieve some of the overall tension that accompanies Shingles. Acupuncture and Herbal treatments have also been known to be part of a holistic approach to natural remedies for Shingles, as well as eating a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables to get plenty of natural vitamins.

Home remedies for shingles include taking a pain reliever, like naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Anti-itch cream and calamine lotion can relieve itching. An over-the-counter, oral antihistamine like Benadryl can also relieve itching.

Wrapping a cold or cool icepack around your infection can cool your skin and ease burning. To relieve skin discomfort, combine a half-cup of apple cider vinegar and two cups of water and dab on the infected area. To keep skin from becoming too dry, combine aloe vera gel, raw honey and leek juice and apply to the rash. Never rub an ointment on a shingles rash, rather, dab at the affected area with a clean cotton towel, rest as much as possible. Sleeping not only takes your mind off the discomfort, but helps rebuilt your immune system.

Shingles, caused a virus known as varicella-zoster, which is a viral infection characterized by a painful rash that can occur anywhere on your body. An active infection, also called herpes zoster virus, looks like a band of blisters and often appears on the trunk running from the center of the back to the chest or breastbone.

Because the same virus that causes chickenpox, if you have had chickenpox causes the condition, you can develop herpes zoster. It is believed that as you age, your immunity to the virus lowers, which raises your risk for developing the condition. Herpes zoster is more common in people with weak immune systems and adults. Like chickenpox, shingles is contagious, putting anyone who has not been infected with the chickenpox virus at risk. However, after exposure to the viral infection, the person will develop chickenpox, not shingles. People with a weak immune system, pregnant women and newborns should stay away from a person with an active breakout.

Anytime you have Shingles Symptoms it is important to contact your local doctor or hospital first. Even though you may want to use some home remedies for Shingles, keep in mind that you can do more damage than help if you do it wrong.

Some of the more common medications that are excepted to be prescribed are Antiviral drugs. This is the way hospitals like to treat Shingles symptoms and the virus. To get the best results, you should start with these medications within 48-72 hours when the first sign of the shingles rash shows on your body. Some of the Oral antiviral medications that are common are, Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and Famciclovir (Famvir).
Drugs for the pain from Shingles are usually needed once the virus has attacked the nerve endings. Narcotics, such as oxycodone may be prescribed as well as as some type of Tricyclic antidepressants, Anticonvulsants, Numbing agents such as lidocaine that can be used as a gel or cream.

On the more common ways to help relieve some of the pain of shingles is to take a cloth or towel and soap in ice water for a while and then go ahead and apply it right on top of the blisters or rash of squeezing it too much onto the skin. This ice water method can help to relieve some of the itching also in some of the pain that is created by the shingles virus attacking your nerves. If you have not already taken aspirin or over-the-counter pain relief medicine and you might want to try this, but before you do call your physician or Doctor and let them know that you’re going to be taking a pill to help you. They will let you know if this is recommended and more about how to treat Shingles facts.

How To Treat Shingles – Consult Your Doctor

Another option that may be available to you is to use some other anesthetic sprays and creams that are available at your local pharmacy or drug store. Always consult your doctor before you do, but if you’ve ever been affected with shingles, any type of pain relief is a welcomed. Be sure that when you apply the cream, or iced towels on the skin that you are careful to not pop open the blisters. For one thing this may leave some scarring in the effects of the virus are finally over, but more important you should know that the liquid that is released from the blisters contains some of the virus and it may be able to infect children or even adults who have not had the chickenpox.

One more way to try and relieve some of the pain from shingles would be to take some lemon balm tea and then let it soak in hot water for a while. Then when it is manageable if you get a compress and then where it is possible to apply the leaves to the parts of the body that have signs of the shingles blisters and where the patient has pain. It is reported that lemon balm tea can help to slow down the growth of the virus and help to prevent some of the scarring that can accompany any blisters that form because of the virus. These are some of the simpler ways that you can treat shingles at home, but you should always consult with your physician whenever you even think you might be under the attack of the virus. The research always continues on Shingles and your doctor will know the latest information and techniques on how to treat Shingles.

Those over 60 are highly encouraged to get the shingles vaccine unless there is a prior allergic reaction to gelatin, have a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or leukemia, or have untreated tuberculosis. If the vaccine is not received, and the virus gets activated then it will cause a painful rash with fluid filled blisters, much like chickenpox, which will eventually scab over, signaling the end of its cycle. Doctors will prescribe some serious painkillers to relieve the pain, but prevention is always the best plan.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not currently cover the vaccine, but this may change, so those who do not have other insurance could be looking at a three hundred dollar injection to prevent the occurrence. However, those with insurance may pay as little as a doctor visit copay, which are typically twenty five to fifty dollars, to receive the booster. It is best to check with the insurance company to see what is covered in the policy. Most will want to cover a vaccination, rather than a potential hospital stay for the outbreak.

Shingles Vaccine Side Effects

With the shingles vaccine, you could experience redness, soreness, or itchiness around the injection site and it is recommended you take Tylenol to counteract these symptoms. If anything more severe than those is experienced, call the doctor right away.

To get up to date shingles information on the shingles vaccine here is a link to the Center For Disease Control – Herpes Zoster Vaccine Q&A (Shingles) webpage. This has the latest news about the vaccine and actually has shingles categorized as a preventable virus – Yeah!!

It seems that most vaccines have some type of side effect, but do not let the potential of a short term ailment stop you from getting the shingles vaccine. If you knew the pain of the virus attacking your nerve endings then getting the shingles vaccine would be a simple decision.

Prior to the development of a rash and blisters, which form in the Active stage of shingles, the area around the affected nerves begins to cause discomfort, usually in the form of tingling sensations, pain, burning sensations, tickling and occasionally numbness. In addition, the affected person’s lymph nodes may become swollen and tender. These early symptoms can last anywhere from several days to several weeks before initiating the Active stage of shingles, where areas of rash appear on the body. Reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox is possible in any person who has had the virus, even if they experienced a mild case.

Transmission of shingles from exposure has not been proven, however those who have not been exposed to chickenpox may develop this virus if exposed to someone with shingles. In the event that early shingles symptoms are exhibited, it is wise to contact a health care professional to diagnose the illness and develop a treatment plan. In all cases of shingles, the sooner treatment is begun, the better the results. There is no cure for the virus, however treatment options are used to prevent possible serious complications due to shingles and to shorten the length of the illness and control the symptoms. The recent development of the Shingles vaccine has made it possible to never have to deal with pain and rash of the disease.

Get Treatment After The First Shingles Symptoms

The most popular treatments for early shingles symptoms can include either one or a combination of the following; topical antibiotics (to prevent infection of any blisters that appear on the skin), OTC (Over the Counter) pain medications, usually aspirin or ibuprofen (to reduce symptoms of pain caused by shingles), and antiviral medicines (which reduce both the duration and symptoms of pain due to shingles). Typically shingles begins to develop on a person’s chest or back, however it has been known to occur in other areas of the body, including but not limited to the head and face, neck, arms or legs and the abdomen. In some cases of shingles, it is possible to have multiple areas of rash on the body.

Common sense should tell you to see your doctor, but the first signs can be confused with other ailments. Once you are convinced that the rash or pain is caused by shingles symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor or nurse and let them know what is happening so they can get you the prescriptions right after the diagnosis.

To start out, Shingles are caused by the same thing that the chicken pox are caused by; a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. After getting the virus, it normally stays in your nerves by your spine, until it becomes active again. Then you get a rash. A big difference between getting chicken pox, and getting shingles is that normally shingles symptoms form on one side of your body in a band. Chicken pox are normally spread all over. If you have had the chicken pox, then you are more likely to get shingles later in life. The statistics are that 1 in 10 people will get shingles in their lifetime.

Another fact is that shingles hurt. It is said to be the most difficult thing to deal with after contracting the illness. Also there are a lot of after effects. The most serious being Posttherpetic Neuralgia (PHN). PHN is a complication that is caused by the infection damages your nerves. Although it may hurt, and the rash isn’t the best either, there is a treatment. It is a short-term early treatment, all you need to do is get a prescription for an oral antiviral medication. After you finally get rid of the shingles, you will be happy to know that you most likely will never get them again. Most people who are healthy will develop an immunity to the virus that caused it all in the first place, the varicella zoster virus. I hope that after reading this you know a few more facts about the shingles illness. If you ever think you have it, or you are uncertain if it is chicken pox or the actual shingles then you should make an appointment and see your doctor. The treatment is for when you first get the shingles, so don’t put it off. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and good luck with your illness.

The virus is a herpes virus, but not to be mistaken for the same herpes virus that causes genital herpes, transmitted sexually. Shingles is contagious to people who have not had chicken pox, however, they would develop chick pox because of the same virus, and not shingles itself. The contagious time depends on weather there are blisters or not. Shingles symptoms start as a burning sensation as nerves are affected, and shortly after the person afflicted will note a rash. It usually gets progressively worse with blisters that appear, ooze, then heal. The whole process can take up to four weeks to pass, making the person feel miserable unless medical treatment has been started as early as possible. If it lasts longer than that, further medical attention should be attended to, as it may signify additional complications. It is anti virus medications that will hasten the healing process, and pain medication should help alleviate some of the discomfort.

Sometimes steroids are recommended. Washing with cool soap and water will help and keeps the affected area clean. Using anti itch lotions will also help. On rare occasions there are complications that can be bad. This is especiallytrue if it is on the face. It can spread to the eye and cause blindness, so care must be taken to treat the face as soon as this virus has been confirmed. There is a vaccine available for people over 60 who have not had chick pox. Studies have shown that it reduces the incidence of chicken pox. However, this vaccine should not be given to anyone with a weakened immune system or have had radiation for cancer as the vaccine contains live virus that can be harmful to that person.