Calamine Lotion
Shingles usually manifest as a painful blistering rash on one side of the body or face. While most people recover from shingles within a few weeks, some can experience long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a chronic pain that can last for months or even years. Fortunately, there are home remedies available that can help ease the pain and discomfort of shingles. One such treatment is calamine lotion.
Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, which has antiseptic and astringent properties. When applied to the skin, calamine lotion dries out blisters and helps to reduce itching and redness. Calamine lotion is available over the counter at most pharmacies. It is usually applied several times daily with a cotton ball or swab until the blisters have dried out and the itching has subsided. It is important to remember that calamine lotion does not speed up the healing process but only helps to relieve symptoms.
In addition to calamine lotion, other treatments can help ease the pain of shingles. These include over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, cool compresses, and antihistamines like diphenhydramine. For more severe cases of shingles, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication like valacyclovir or famciclovir.
