If you have ever had shingles, or if you have shingles right now, you know how painful it is! Topical treatments and natural skin care solutions can help your skin recover and provide some relief. Because of their direct application, their relief is rapid. You can apply them to the skin and target specific areas to get focused relief where it’s needed the most.
You can use topical remedies made from natural ingredients, which are often gentler on the skin compared to chemicals. They also have inherent healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Here are the common topical treatments and natural shingles skin care solutions you may like to consider.
Capsaicin Cream
Capsaicin is derived from chili peppers and is used to help reduce nerve pain, particularly the lingering pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Capsaicin can desensitize nerve fibers, but be careful not to apply too much because it can cause stinging or burning.
You can apply a thin layer of another analgesic first before the capsaicin to ease the burning feeling. Capsaicin cream is available over the counter (OTC) or with a prescription.
Lidocaine Patches or Gels
Lidocaine patches or gels can numb the skin and the tissue beneath, helping relieve shingles pain. It’s a synthetic compound that blocks sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the transmission of pain signals, which makes it effective for numbing and pain relief.
You can buy lidocaine cream over the counter, but your doctor may also prescribe this medication which has a higher concentration.
Calamine Lotion
Good old calamine! You may remember your mother applying it to your chickenpox rash as a child. Calamine lotion helps soothe itching and irritation associated with shingles. Its cooling effect provides relief from the persistent itchiness.
Calamine is derived from minerals, primarily composed of zinc oxide and a small amount of ferric oxide. These ingredients have soothing and protective properties on the skin.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. You can apply aloe vera gel to the shingles rash to soothe the skin and promote faster healing.
There are OTC aloe gels you can buy, but if you have an aloe vera plant growing at home, you probably already know that you can use the gel from the fresh leaf.
Raw Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial and healing properties. Spread a thin layer on the rash to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. You need to use honey straight from the beekeeper, not from your supermarket, as that has been heat-treated so all the real goodness is gone.
(Don’t believe me? I knew a beekeeper and learned a lot about the benefits of untreated honey!)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties that can help prevent infection in the blisters. Dilute it with water, 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, and apply it with a cotton ball. It also helps reduce itching and inflammation.
Coconut and Peppermint Oil Ointment
You can also make coconut and peppermint oil ointment at home. Mix 1 cup of coconut oil and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and apply it to the affected area. Coconut oil has moisturizing properties, and peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation that can ease shingles pain. This ointment can also help reduce inflammation and soothe other symptoms.
Shea Butter and Lavender Oil Balm
Shea butter and lavender oil balm is another homemade ointment you can make. Melt 1/2 cup of Shea butter and 1/4 cup of coconut oil together and add 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply the balm to the painful area to reduce inflammation and pain. This balm can help heal the rashes and prevent scars.
Cold Compress
A cold compress helps numb the painful area and provides immediate relief. Simply soak a clean cloth in cool water and place it on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. The cold temperature will help reduce pain and swelling.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects that can reduce itching and irritation. Just add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal, which is finely ground oats, to a warm bath and soak your body for 15-20 minutes. It may be a bit messy, but if it eases the pain, it could be well worth it for you. Don’t forget to rinse off with clean water and pat your skin dry.
Baking Soda Bath
You can also soak in a baking soda bath for 15 to 20 minutes to relieve itching and irritation caused by shingles. Just dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in a warm bath and soak your body.
Baking soda has alkaline properties that can help neutralize skin pH, which can reduce itching and discomfort. When dissolved in a bath, it creates a soothing solution that can calm irritated skin and provide relief from the burning and stinging sensations.
It also has mild anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce swelling and redness around the affected areas and promote comfort and healing. Plus, another benefit is that a baking soda bath can help keep the shingles rash clean and reduce the risk of secondary infections.
Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salts have pain relief and anti-inflammation effects. You can take an Epsom salt bath to soothe sore muscles and skin and experience relief from shingles symptoms.
All you need is to dissolve 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salts in a warm bath. Soak your body for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse well with clean water. Pat your skin dry after the bath.
Final Thoughts
You can try the remedies above and see what topical treatments and natural skin care methods provide immediate relief and comfort for you. Also, don’t forget what your mother said. Don’t scratch! You have to avoid scratching because it can worsen the rash and lead to infection.
You should also wear loose and breathable clothing, like those made from 100% cotton, to protect your skin from irritation. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet is also important in your skincare!
