Effective Shingles Treatment: Understanding Options & Relief

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by a reactivation of the herpes virus varicella zoster, which causes chickenpox. Shingles produces a blistering rash, usually along the path of a nerve ending. It can also be extremely painful. Shingles is treated with both oral medications--antivirals, corticosteroids and pain medications--along with topical preparations.

Calamine lotion

• Like chickenpox, mild cases of shingles can benefit from the application of calamine lotion several times per day.

Burrow Solution

• Burrow solution is a 5 percent aluminum acetate solution. It is applied as a wet dressing, four to six times per day for up to one hour at a time.

Capsaicin Cream

• Capsaicin cream is an over-the-counter preparation that can be applied three to four times per day.

Capsaicin Patch

• A capsaicin patch must be applied by a doctor. It contains 8 percent capsaicin, and is applied for one hour at a time.

Lidocaine

• For severe cases, the topical anesthetic lidocaine may be used. Gels and creams are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

• Shingles can affect the eyes, and cause an infection in the cornea called epithelial keratitis. A cream called vidarabine may be applied to the lower conjunctiva up to five times per day.