The Mayo Clinic explains that shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Shingles infection creates a painful rash anywhere on the body that consists of blistering and pain. Shingles occurs in individuals who were once infected with chickenpox. The virus lies dormant for several years until it reactivates as shingles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pain associated with shingles can be moderate to severe and is often the longest-lasting symptom of the infection.
Step 1
Visit your doctor as soon as you notice signs of shingles. Early signs include a red rash, tingling, burning and pain on one small section of the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is not uncommon to experience pain in the chest, lungs or kidneys without any other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Early intervention with antiviral medications can help fight the infection and reduce the time you have to suffer with pain.
Step 2
Request a prescription for pain medication. Narcotics and antidepressants are often prescribed to treat the pain of shingles because it can be so severe and long-lasting. Take these pain medications as prescribed and only for as long as the pain exists.
Step 3
Purchase an over-the-counter numbing cream, gel or spray. These topical pain relievers often contain ingredients such as lidocaine or hydrocortisone. You can also request prescription-strength topical agents from your doctor. A lidocaine patch has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for shingle pain. It is available by prescription only.
Step 4
Soak in a very warm bath for 20 to 30 minutes several times per day to help relieve the body aches and pain that you experience with shingles.
Step 5
Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Do not take this in conjunction with prescription pain relievers.
Tips and Warnings
- Minimize stress as shingles pain can be exacerbated with stress.
- Do not combine pain treatments without the approval of your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription pain relievers
- Topical lidocaine
- Topical numbing agents
- Over-the-counter pain reliever
