Shingles is a painful medical condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. When an individual has the chickenpox, the virus remains in the body and can flare up later in life. Symptoms of shingles include a red rash that follows several days of pain along a nerve line in the body. The rash can develop blisters filled with fluid, which rupture and crust over. The rash also may cause itching. The pain associated with shingles may become intense and may continue for months or years after the rash due to a complication called postherpetic neuralgia, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Step 1
Take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help control mild pain associated with shingles. Follow the information on the medication bottle for proper dosing and schedule or check with a physician before taking the medication.
Step 2
Spread a topical cream, such as capsaicin, onto the affected area of the body. The cream, available with or without a prescription, helps temporarily relieve pain from shingles. The pain may last for a couple of weeks before disappearing, even with the capsaicin. This cream, which contains hot pepper extract, may help prevent the possibility of developing postherpetic neuralgia, according to Medline Plus.
Step 3
Get a prescription from a physician for an oral steroid medication, such as prednisone. A steroidal medicine will help reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with shingles, which reduces pain.
Step 4
Place a cool, wet washcloth on the affected area to reduce pain. Soaking the washcloth in white vinegar before placing it on the rash may also ease pain, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Step 5
Obtain a prescription for medications to help treat the pain from postherpetic neuralgia occurs. Tricyclic antidepressants and anti-seizure medications may help decrease the postherpetic neuralgia pain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Watch for side effects such as a dry mouth, constipation, dry eyes and sleepiness with the antidepressants. Drowsiness, confusion and ankle swelling may occur when taking an anti-seizure medication.
Step 6
Speak to a physician about the need for stronger pain medication, especially if postherpetic neuralgia occurs. Common narcotic medications prescribed include oxycodone and morphine, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
