6 ways to manage pain from shingles

Shingles manifests itself in a terrible rash. Follow these tips to reduce the effects of this painful viral infection.

• At the first sign of shingles, get a prescription for an antiviral medication like acyclovir, which was approved for the treatment of herpes viral infections almost two decades ago.
• Studies find that taking this or other antiviral medicines early can prevent the lingering pain that often occurs after a shingles outbreak.

• Some people have terrible itching with shingles.
• If you experience itching, try an over-the-counter antihistamine like oral diphenhydramine.
• Cool baths can also help.

• Putting on clothes over the blisters of shingles can be incredibly painful.
• Try covering the area with plastic wrap so your clothes slide over the affected skin.

• A shingles vaccine was approved in the United States in 2006.
• In clinical studies, the vaccine prevented shingles in half of those over 60 on whom it was tested and reduced pain in those who developed the disease.
• The vaccine is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems; those taking drugs like steroids that affect the immune system or receiving cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy; or those with a history of cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

• When the pain is bad, apply an ice pack wrapped in a small towel to the affected area for 10 minutes, take it off for 10 minutes, and then reapply for another 10.

• It may sound counterintuitive, but capsaicin, the ingredient that gives peppers their fiery taste, works wonders at reducing nerve irritation and pain.
• You can find capsaicin creams and ointments (0.025% or 0.075%) in drugstores.
• The compound works by depleting a chemical called substance P from the nerves in the skin, short-circuiting the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain. Apply it several times a day and wash your hands after each application.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to quell some of the pain of shingles. Remember to consult your doctor often and make sure to communicate any treatments that you may want to try.