What over-the-counter medicine is good for shingles?

OTC shingles treatments focus on pain relief and itch reduction, using oral pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain, antihistamines (Benadryl) or calamine lotion for itching, and numbing creams (lidocaine) for localized relief, though prescription antiviral drugs are key for healing, especially if started early. Always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and to discuss if OTC options are appropriate alongside prescribed treatments, particularly to prevent serious complications like postherpetic neuralgia.

How do you treat shingles without going to the doctor?

Self care. Taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on your blisters may help relieve the itching and pain. And, if possible, try to lower the amount of stress in your life.

Can Benadryl help with shingles?

Yes, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can help with shingles by reducing intense itching and promoting sleep, though it doesn't treat the underlying viral infection; use oral forms or topical creams with doctor guidance, alongside primary treatments like antiviral medications and pain relievers. Always consult a healthcare provider for shingles, as early antiviral treatment is crucial.
 

Is lidocaine good for shingles?

Yes, lidocaine is very good for shingles pain, especially the nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) that can linger, working as a local anesthetic to numb the area; it's available in prescription patches (Lidoderm, Ztildo) for strong relief and over-the-counter creams/gels (like Salonpas, Aspercreme) for general use, providing temporary numbing for burning, stinging, or aching sensations. 

What is better for shingles pain, ibuprofen or Tylenol?

For shingles pain, both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can help, with ibuprofen potentially better for inflammation, but you can even use them together for more relief, though always follow label directions and check with your doctor, especially for severe pain or other conditions. Doctors also prescribe stronger meds and topical treatments, but start with OTC options like these to ease pain and itching, alongside antiviral meds for the virus itself. 

Do I have Shingles? Symptoms & Treatments - Ask A Nurse | @LevelUpRN

Is there anything over-the-counter that helps with shingles?

OTC shingles treatments focus on pain relief and itch reduction, using oral pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain, antihistamines (Benadryl) or calamine lotion for itching, and numbing creams (lidocaine) for localized relief, though prescription antiviral drugs are key for healing, especially if started early. Always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and to discuss if OTC options are appropriate alongside prescribed treatments, particularly to prevent serious complications like postherpetic neuralgia.
 

What ointment is best for shingles?

The best ointments for shingles focus on pain/itching relief, like lidocaine creams (numbing), calamine lotion (cooling, after scabbing), or aloe vera; prescription antivirals (like acyclovir) are key for healing if started early, while capsaicin is for lingering nerve pain (PHN) after healing, not on active blisters, and always see a doctor for shingles to get proper antivirals and guidance on what to apply.
 

What should you not do when you have shingles?

When you have shingles, don't touch, scratch, or break the blisters; avoid contact with high-risk people (pregnant, infants, immunocompromised); don't bandage the blisters (keep them covered loosely); don't share personal items; and don't stop meds early to prevent spreading the chickenpox virus and complications, while seeking medical care immediately for best antiviral treatment. 

How do you calm nerve pain from shingles?

For shingles nerve pain (Postherpetic Neuralgia or PHN), treatments focus on oral medications like anti-seizure drugs (gabapentin, pregabalin) and antidepressants, topical pain relievers (lidocaine, capsaicin), and nerve blocks for severe cases, all aiming to calm nerve activity and block pain signals. Prompt antiviral treatment of shingles helps prevent PHN, but if it develops, consistent medical management with these options provides relief, though it can take time to find the right combination.
 

What should you not drink with shingles?

Generally, it's best to avoid alcohol during shingles treatment. Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash.

Should I go to the doctor for shingles?

Yes, you should see a doctor for shingles immediately, ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing, because early antiviral treatment significantly shortens the infection, reduces pain, and prevents serious complications like vision loss or long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia). Even if you suspect shingles, contact your primary care doctor or go to urgent care right away for an accurate diagnosis and to start crucial antiviral medications.
 

Can I put hydrocortisone cream on my shingles?

While some sources say hydrocortisone cream can help itching and inflammation from shingles, others advise against it because it doesn't treat the virus and might suppress the immune response needed to fight the infection; it's best to use soothing options like calamine lotion or cool compresses, and always consult your doctor, as antiviral meds are key for shingles.
 

Can I just let shingles run its course?

If shingles is not treated, it may go away on its own. However, there is an increased risk of developing a long-term painful condition called postherpetic neuralgia. PHN can last for weeks or years. Do not wait for shingles to go away on its own.

How does OTC cream relieve shingles?

Capsaicin cream is available both as OTC or prescription medication. Capsaicin cream may help improve PHN symptoms as it reduces the sensitivity of nerve fibers. However, capsaicin cream is typically not the first-line treatment for shingles due to its side effects, such as a burning and stinging sensation.

Can you spread shingles to other parts of your body?

Yes, you can spread the shingles virus to other parts of your own body (autoinoculation) through direct contact with blister fluid, potentially causing new outbreaks; but more commonly, it spreads to other people who haven't had chickenpox, causing chickenpox, not shingles. Spread to your eyes, brain, or other organs is a serious complication, often in immunocompromised people, requiring immediate medical attention.
 

Should shingles be kept moist or dry?

Keep the blisters moist until they heal over. One way to do this is to cover them with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.

Is neosporin good for shingles?

Neosporin (bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B) isn't a primary treatment for shingles and isn't generally recommended, as shingles needs prescription antiviral meds (like acyclovir) for the virus, but you should keep the rash clean and dry to prevent secondary bacterial infections, using calamine lotion, cool compresses, or colloidal oatmeal baths for itching, and only use antibiotic ointments like Neosporin if your doctor advises to prevent bacterial spread, as it won't help the viral cause. 

Can you buy over-the-counter cream for shingles?

In addition to antiviral medications, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate the pain associated with shingles. Calamine lotion or cool compresses may also provide relief from itching and discomfort.

Should I put anything on my shingles rash?

Yes, you can put soothing topical treatments on shingles like calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, or cool compresses to relieve itching and discomfort, and use OTC pain relievers, but always see a doctor first for prescription antiviral medicine, which is crucial for faster healing and preventing complications, and avoid harsh rubbing or fragranced products.
 

Is it better to rest or be active with shingles?

Rest is important when you have a shingles infection. It allows the rashes time to heal and the immune system to function properly to get the viral infection under control.

How painful is shingles on a scale of 1 to 10?

Shingles pain is often rated high on the 1-to-10 scale, with many patients reporting levels from 6 to 10 (severe), describing it as intense burning, stabbing, or electric-shock-like pain, though it can range from mild itching to debilitating agony, often made worse by touch or even a light breeze. It's considered one of the most painful conditions, with pain peaking days after symptoms start, and can persist as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) even after the rash clears.