Shingles is a painful rash that appears on the skin, commonly after you’ve suffered from chickenpox. A virus known as the varicella-zoster virus is what causes this disease. One way to recognize shingles is to check if the rash has a pattern and takes the shape of a band or whether it is concentrated in a small area on one side of your face or body.

If you think that you are suffering from Shingles, then read further to find ways to get relief from it.

Why and how is shingles caused?

After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your nerve roots. While in some people the virus remains dormant throughout their lives, in some other people, the virus can become active and cause painful rashes.

This means that when you contract shingles, your body is trying to tell you that the virus that once caused chickenpox in your body is no longer dormant. The virus can present itself at a later stage due to several reasons like stress, old age, or weakness in the immune system.

Although the same virus causes this disease, it isn’t exactly chickenpox. The rash that you contract could turn into a cluster of blisters that could further fill with fluid and crust over. It can range from mildly irritating to antagonizing, and you must take the required treatment immediately after speaking with your doctor.

Here are the two shingles ointments that can help sooth the rash.

Zovirax Ointment

What is it
It is a prescription shingles ointment that is effective against several viruses too. It is commonly used to treat genital herpes and even cold sores that occur in your mouth. It is also an efficient shingles ointment as it helps relieve the pain caused by the rashes. It is a synthetic nucleoside analog and is applied to the affected area of the skin.

What does it contain
Each gram of this ointment contains 50mg of acyclovir in a polyethylene glycol base.

Possible side effects to watch out for
Due to its complex chemical composition and its reaction to other drugs, it is essential to be aware of all possible side effects that you may go through. Listed down below are some of the side effects. Make sure to consult with a doctor if you face any of these.

• Difficulty in breathing.
• Hives; a skin rash triggered by some medications.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Dry lips that crack and peel.
• Burning, itching, or stinging sensation when you apply the ointment.
• The medication gets into your eyes or nose and starts reacting erratically.

How to use it

• The topical cream should be applied five times a day for four days.
• Use a cotton swab or gloves for application of the shingles ointment.
• The ointment should be applied once in three hours.
• Keep the rash clean, dry, and away from a moist atmosphere.

Capsaicin Ointment

What is it?
Capsaicin is a pain-relieving shingles ointment that is also used topically. It works on an algorithm that first intensifies the pain and then relieves it by modulating the intensity of pain signals in the body. Capsaicin is used for a number of reasons. Since it is a topical analgesic, it could be used to relieve pain after surgery, if there are any minor nervous problems that cause pain, cluster headaches, painful skin conditions such as shingles and even mouth sores.

What does it contain?
Capsaicin is an active ingredient extracted from several different types of hot peppers. Topical creams use this element as it helps stimulate the pain receptors and control it. Various brands use capsaicin in different capacities depending on the intensity of pain.

Possible side effects to watch out for
As capsaicin is used to treat various things, it might not react well to your body. It is essential that you consult with your doctor before starting regular treatment with this shingles ointment. Here are a few possible side effects you need to watch out for. Consult your doctor if

• The area where you have applied the ointment starts to swell, itch, burn or gets sore.
• The rash starts to get extremely dry and hurts even more.
• You develop a cough.
• You face difficulty in breathing.
• A sore throat.
• You experience a tightness in the chest or have developed wheezing.
• Blurred vision.
• You develop an increased sensitivity to light, pain, or touch.
• There is a discoloration of your skin in the affected area.
• You feel nauseous.
• Your muscles ache.

How to use it
Follow these guidelines when applying the ointment for best results.

• The ointment is in the form of a cream, gel, or lotion. Apply a thin layer on top of the affected area and rub it gently for two to three minutes.
• Always use a cotton swab or latex gloves to go through with the application.
• Avoid applying the ointment immediately before or after any activity such as swimming or heavy exercise.
• Use the ointment at least thrice a day for four weeks for it to start showing results.

Although you have information on the best shingles ointments, make sure you consult with your doctor before you use them. Also, make sure you follow the method your doctor has described to you.