Topical Remedies for Shingles

The reactivated chickenpox virus is the cause of shingles later in life. The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body for years and reactivates in later years to develop into shingles. The condition is often painful and, in most cases, produces a red rash that usually affects the torso and upper body area. The rash produces blisters that may itch and break open during an outbreak of shingles.

Topical Pain Relief

• Lidocaine, available in gel or ointment form via prescription, helps treat pain associated with the shingles rash. However, lidocaine can cause serious problems if too much is used. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommended dosage when using lidocaine creams and gels. This medication is also available in a patch that delivers a specific dosage to the area.
  Because lidocaine can be absorbed into the bloodstream, there is potential for fatal overdose. For this reason, use caution when applying lidocaine to larger areas of the body that are affected with the shingles rash. Never use the medication without the consent and guidance of a doctor. Do not apply the medication if the shingles has produced blisters that have become broken.

Herbs

• Licorice root is used to treat a number of conditions, including shingles. Licorice root can be boiled into a tea to consume orally or it can be applied directly to the rash. Licorice also works as an anti-inflammatory herb that will lessen the pain after a few days of application.

  Aloe vera gel applied directly to the rash provides pain relief. Apply the gel several times a day for pain relief or as needed.

Home Remedies

• One home remedy option for shingles would be to crush two aspirin tablets and mix them with two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol solution. Apply the mixture directly to the rash. After the rash has healed, if the pain continues, add one crushed aspirin to two tablespoons of hand lotion and apply to the painful area.
  Another alternative is to dilute one-half cup of apple cider vinegar with two cups of water and apply to the rash. Use a moistened face cloth to apply the solution.

Capsaicin

• Capsaicin, an extract derived from chili peppers, can irritate the skin. This ointment should not be used on open blisters. However, when the blisters have healed, capsaicin can relieve the remaining body aches. Use only a small amount of the cream because it may irritate your skin.
  When applying capsaicin to the skin, use gloves and use care to not apply the cream to other areas of the skin. Water cannot relieve the burning sensation if the cream is applied to sensitive areas. Use olive oil to neutralize the burn.