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.

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.