What is the best thing to put on shingles?...?

Question

My boyfriend's doctor didnt give him anything to rub on them and I was just wondering what over the counter medicine he can put on it to sooth the pain, burning and itching. And they gave him oral Lyrica but he cant take it cause he had bad side affects from it. Is there something else the doctor can prescribe for him?

Answer 1

The severity and duration of an attack of shingles can be significantly reduced by immediate treatment with antiviral drugs, which include acyclovir, valcyclovir, or famcyclovir. Antiviral drugs may also help stave off the painful after-effects of shingles known as postherpetic neuralgia. Other treatments for postherpetic neuralgia include steroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical agents.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved a VZV vaccine (Zostavax) for use in people 60 and older who have had chickenpox. When the vaccine becomes more widely available, many older adults will for the first time have a means of preventing shingles. Researchers found that giving older adults the vaccine reduced the expected number of later cases of shingles by half. And in people who still got the disease despite immunization, the severity and complications of shingles were dramatically reduced. The shingles vaccine is only a preventive therapy and is not a treatment for those who already have shingles or postherpetic neuralgia.

BOTTOM LINE :

Your boyfriend should contact the doctor, tell him of the side effects, and also ask for an ointment to help the skin.  That way he will get an ointment that is prescription strength and will do more good.  He will also be able to get something to replace the Lyrica.

If he doesn't want to do that, go to a pharmacy, ask the druggist.  They will only be able to suggest over the counter items, that are not as strong.

Answer 2

i had shingles when i was 16

my doctor gave me valtrex (yes the herpe pill that helps reduce the chance of giving ur partner herpes) and gabapentine for the pain

i used calodryl for the rashes which help keep the rash just a rash and not turn into a blister.. if he has blisters do not  pop them... once they open shingles become contagous