Shingles Treatment Options
OTC Therapies
Some OTC medications can be used to relieve symptoms of shingles. These include:
– OTC painkillers: ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen could be effective in relieving mild or moderate pain caused by the shingles rash.
Over-the-counter options may be recommended for use in conjunction with prescription medication, or perhaps instead of one, in some cases.
– Calamine lotion: this product can help ease pain and itching caused by a shingle rash. You can choose between a clear and thick version.
– Antihistamines: Another option to ease itching is to take an oral antihistamine. Be aware of drowsiness as a side effect. You can also try it topically in the form of a stick, cream, or spray
– Lidocaine: This is a local anesthetic that can temporarily numb affected areas and alleviate pain. Keep in mind to use the product only for intact skin
– Capsaicin: this is the active ingredient in chili peppers that provides a numbing effect on the skin. It can deplete substance P that is responsible for sending pain signals. You can easily find capsaicin cream in many drugstores. [4]
