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Shingles Treatment Cream

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.

  1. 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.

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