Over the Counter Treatment for Shingles

Shingles is a skin problem that is typically caused by the infection of herpes zoster virus. People who have had a history of chicken pox are the ones who actually develop this infection. This is because the reason behind the onset of chickenpox and shingles is no different. The virus that triggers chickenpox symptoms is the one that strikes again to cause shingles, and is typically marked by the development of an itchy rash, usually in the chest and the upper back area. The blisters forming a band like pattern is the characteristic feature of a shingles rash. The affected area typically causes radiating pain that generally lasts till the duration of the viral infection. The infection generally goes within a month's time, but how does one make the pain more manageable during this time is often a cause for concern for all shingles' patients. The answer to this question is discussed below.

Treatment for Shingles: Over the Counter

Medications that are categorized as over-the-counter do not need a doctor's prescription to be able to purchase them from a drug store. So which are the options when it comes to over the counter treatment for shingles disease.

Painkillers
Over the counter painkillers for shingles are non steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Now NSAIDS not only help to reduce the swelling but also provide relief from the pain. Also, many a times, the painful symptoms of shingles respond quite well to these NSAIDS. So when it to comes to combating the aches and pains of shingles, going for OTC NSAIDS can definitely serve the purpose. Although NSAIDS may not completely block the pain, it can substantially reduce the severity of the pain. In order to ease the inflammation and pain, NSAIDS like ibuprofen and naproxen are helpful to treat shingles. Medications like acetaminophen (for children) or aspirin aren't effective enough to reduce inflammation, but are very much capable of bringing down shingles pain. When it comes to dosage, opting for lower or regular strength tablets is recommended. Extra strength tablets may harm the lining of the stomach and lead to the formation of ulcers.

Topical Creams
As aforementioned, the site of the rash not only causes pain but also appears inflamed. So, topical over the counter treatment for shingles to reduce swelling involves the use of hydrocortisone creams. Apart from relieving inflammation, hydrocortisone creams are also effective to alleviate the itchy sensation. Therefore, if the relentless itchiness of shingles rash is bothering you a lot, it's time you got hold of a hydrocortisone cream. It is one of the best anti-itch treatment for this skin problem. Application of creams that contain 1% hydrocortisone are found to be extremely effective to get relief from the itchy skin. One can apply cortaid cream or calamine lotion (Caladryl) for shingles rash. Basically, hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid that displays anti-inflammatory properties, hence usage of these creams works to decrease the skin inflammation.

Anti Histamines
When the shingles rash develops, the body releases histamines (chemicals) as a response to a viral infection. The production of histamine is yet another reason why the skin becomes itchy. Studies show that decreasing the amount of histamine being produced during the infection can go a long way in alleviating the itchy feeling. This can be achieved by anti-histamines, medications that restrict histamine production. Histamines cause severe itching, and so when the itchiness does not subside with the aforementioned anti-itch creams, one can use antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec orally or topically, to soothe the itchiness.

Unfortunately, antiviral drugs do not come in the list of over the counter treatment for shingles. These are prescription medications, that in most cases, work as they target the underlying cause. A point to note is that over the counter shingles treatment merely relieves the symptoms. They do not help in any way to kill the virus, hence provide temporary relief. There have been cases wherein painkillers proved ineffective in subsiding the symptoms. So, in such a scenario, one has to immediately contact a doctor and opt for oral anti-viral drugs.
By Nicks J
Published: 5/23/2011