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Cures for Shingles Pain

Controlling the pain of shingles involves a number of methodologies; effective pain relief in shingles combines antiviral drugs and corticosteroids with painkillers and topical pain relief. Part of the treatment plan for shingles pain is also designed to minimize the chances of developing postherpetic neuralgia, a condition in which the pain of shingles lingers after the rash has cleared up.

  1. Antivirals and Corticosteroids

    • The main line of defense against the pain of shingles is to relieve the cause of shingles, the varicella-zoster virus. This is accomplished through the use of antiviral drugs, including acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir. According to Dr. Seth John Stankus, combining the use of antivirals with a corticosteroid (prednisone) both relieves pain and reduces the likelihood of developing postherpetic neuralgia.

    Painkillers

    • Some people will experience relief from shingles pain through the use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. However, these are insufficient for sufferers who experience severe pain. These people may be prescribed narcotic pain relievers to alleviate the pain associated with shingles. Nerve blocks may also be used.

    Topical Relief

    • According to Stankus, calamine lotion can be used for local, topical pain relief when zosters are still active and capsaicin cream may be used after they have blistered over. However, some people may experience a very uncomfortable burning sensation at the application site while using capsaicin. Lidocaine patches can also be fitted over an affected area to deliver pain relief.

    Postherpetic Neuralgia

    • A number of additional treatment methodologies become necessary when individuals develop postherpetic neuralgia. In addition to the continued use of corticosteroids and narcotic pain relievers, the Mayo Clinic reports that some tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Other methods to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) along with spinal and peripheral nerve stimulation, techniques in which relief is sought through the targeted use of electrodes.

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