how to relieve shingles pain

apple_muncher

Hello there,

I have shingles and was wondering if you lovely bunch had ideas on how to help relieve / manage the pain.

It seems to have been triggered by a kidney infection. Sigh.

I think it's quite a bad bout as I have 11 splodges so far, stretching from my belly button round to my spine. I've not had it before so don't know if this is 'normal' or not.

I have antiviral pills from the Dr and am also taking paracetamol.

Weenancy suggested I pop over here to ask. I know it's a medical issue (looking at you, board moderators!l but I don't want medical advice, just to hear from people what has worked for them.

Thank you

apple

Teapot55

I see you have mentioned kidney infection as well as shingles. 

You would be well advised to go online and talk to the NHS. If nothing else, they are brilliant at advising on pain relief 
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/how-nhs-111-online-works/ 

PipneyJane

Teapot55 said:

I see you have mentioned kidney infection as well as shingles. 

You would be well advised to go online and talk to the NHS. If nothing else, they are brilliant at advising on pain relief 
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/how-nhs-111-online-works/ 

May I reiterate what @Teapot55 said?  You really need to talk to a professional about this.  The problem with some medications is that, if your kidneys are compromised, they can cause other issues.  (And your kidneys will be compromised, because you have a kidney infection.)

- Pip

sammyjammy

I would say with experience of shingles twice if you've got the antivirals there isn't much else you can do to relieve any pain, its just a case of getting the antivirals quickly to lessen the effects.

joedenise

Calamine lotion spread on will help relieve some of the discomfort although not the pain.  As others have said you really need professional advice about whether you can take any tablets.

Rosa_Damascena

sammyjammy said:

I would say with experience of shingles twice if you've got the antivirals there isn't much else you can do to relieve any pain, its just a case of getting the antivirals quickly to lessen the effects.

This is not true. The pain can be treated concurrently but you are right that a lack of rapid antiviral treatment can worsen symptoms and extend the likelihood and severity post-herpetic pain, which can be very nasty.

OP - see your pharmacist for tailored advice.

jennystarpepper

Bio oil or Fuller's earth cream, the Fuller's I slap on everything.

apple_muncher

Thank you for the suggestions for pain relief. Calamine lotion is helping me a lot!

I've checked the kidney pills and shingles pills and it's all okay. Thank you for the idea of checking it, as I'd not considered it.

sillyvixen

Hubby had shingles a few years ago, his GP would not prescribe anything, it was brutal - so I am glad apple is getting meds. The thing he found was when the pain hit he could not move 20 - 30 seconds. Safe to say I had to do all the driving - I couldn't even let him drive to the surgery for fear of him 'freezing' at the wheel. It was about 4 weeks after the rash had gone before he could drop be safely. So while I can't advise on the pain, if you are suffering pain and need to go somewhere get someone to drive you.

Rosa_Damascena

sillyvixen said:

Hubby had shingles a few years ago, his GP would not prescribe anything, it was brutal - so I am glad apple is getting meds. The thing he found was when the pain hit he could not move 20 - 30 seconds. Safe to say I had to do all the driving - I couldn't even let him drive to the surgery for fear of him 'freezing' at the wheel. It was about 4 weeks after the rash had gone before he could drop be safely. So while I can't advise on the pain, if you are suffering pain and need to go somewhere get someone to drive you.

Probably because he presented outside of the initial 48hr window. Prompt treatment is crucial but the associated pain (although undeniably nasty) can usually be managed by meds that can be purchased over the counter. In my case, the pain felt akin to a needle suturing my skin tight, that was bad enough but your DH's experience sounds awful!

apple_muncher

Thank you guys ❤️

I started with the 'stop stabbing my side with a needle' jolts of pain!!

The Dr increase the potency of my meds when I rang for more as I'd had a few new spots, and that is helping. Paracetamol is generally helping, as is calamine lotion.

Anyone recall how long it took for the rash to turn to bumps to turn to sores and then scabs? Do antiviral meds mean less pain only? Or fewer bumps becoming sores? Just asking for your experience, as I fully understand that what I've got will differ.

Thanks

apple