Topical Products
Several different types of creams, lotions, and ointments may help alleviate the itchiness and discomfort caused by a shingles rash—and some of them may even help the nerve pain. For example, capsaicin (the ingredient in peppers that makes them spicy) is used in some lotions to treat nerve pain; it can be prescribed or found over-the-counter. It can cause some discomfort on its own, though, so as with any sort of topical solution, try it on a small area of skin to make sure there is no adverse reaction before using it regularly. Some types of lotion are also made specifically to bring a soothing sensation; calamine lotion in particular may be helpful for shingles. Make sure any lotion you try out is unscented, as scents can irritate the skin, too.
Although lidocaine is only available through a prescription, a topical benzocaine solution (commonly found in oral products, like Orajel for mouth pain) can be found over-the-counter. Other topical treatment options for shingles that may help include hydrocortisone cream, pascalite clay, aloe vera, calendula, or slippery elm syrup. Additionally, using a topical antibiotic cream (like triple antibiotic ointment, or neosporin) on shingles blisters may not only provide a little bit of pain relief, but also can help keep infection out of the open wounds. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly following application; although there is usually only a very slight chance of spreading the shingles virus, it can happen.
Did you know...
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.