I have shingles... it's horrible. It burns pretty badly. I just started my antivirul medication this morning but the burning is just awful. I am doing my best not to scratch or touch. I was wondering if there are any creams that can help me? Or any home remedies? I have tried cortosone cream but that didn't help. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I had something similar and the itching is so uncomfortable, I would itch in my sleep! I started using AVEENO anti-itch lotion. It works, it has menthol and an immediate cooling effect. Then I found this great store at the mall called "LUSH". They sell all natural soaps and lotions. I found a lotion called "dream cream"... stopped the itching! I was on medication too, but before I even took the medication the dream cream made the itching subside. My friend buys their products online because there is not a store near her. You can do a search for "lush". Good Luck!!

Shingles is from the Chicken Pox family. Varicella Zoster to be exact.

Have you tried Benadryl for the itching? No, not the cream, but the liquid or the capsules. Should work wonderfully, but may make you sleepy.

My mom had that when she was 70 and it drove her nuts. She used benadryl lotion like J_9 suggested and it worked for her. It did take a few weeks for hers to finally go away but they did and she was not bothered again. Apparently someone had probably gotten the chicken pox or had gotten vacinated for it and you got it from them.

Shingles is actually re-activated chicken pox and is usually caused from stress.

Becca, if your children have not had chicken pox or have not had the vaccination, you do realize you are contagious to them don't you? Yes, you can give your children chicken pox if you have shingles.

J-9 oh yeah I know about my baby. That's the first thing I asked the doctor. I've had my mom and mother in law watch my baby while I'm locked away in my room. And when I do handle him I use A LOT of hand sanitizer, I've called his pediatrician and he says he should be fine as long as he does not come in direct contact to the sores. I used benadryl (the pills) for the first couple of days and it did knock me out, but I didn't think it helped all that much. Taking benadryl with the antivirals is okay right?

azxb thanks for the advice. Unfortunately I just found out I am not allowed to use any cream :(

ALso I have some of the rash on my scalp, what can I use to wash my hair? I'm scared to even try my shampoo. How long will I be in pain? It burns bad!

Becca, what is the name of the antiviral and I'll look it up in my text for you.

Acyclovir, I have to take it five times a day for five days. I know this is going to sound gross (sorry) but the bilsters/sores are popping (ew I know) are they supposed to do that? My mom said they are supposed to,t hat it means that they are clearing up now, but I'm not sure. Can I wash the area they are in? Not with soap or anything, but with luke warm water or something. It's very disgusting.