Patient Comments: Shingles - Effective TreatmentsWhat kinds of treatments have been effective for your shingles?
Comment from: gjcv, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: May 06
I had a burning sensation on my skin last week. About three days later, I had three red bumps that broke out. A few days later, the bumps spread to the lower spine. I search the web for conditions based on my symptoms, and found out it was shingles. I also search for home remedies and learned apple cider was a good treatment. Apple cider vinegar has helped me tremendously, based on what I have heard about shingles pain. When I finally went to the doctor, he was shocked that I wasn't in pain. Everyone I talk to says I should be in pain. One friend says that I need to get a second opinion because it can't be shingles without pain. I am thankful for apple cider vinegar and no pain. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Justadvise, 55-64 Male (Patient)
Published: May 01
I started having sciatica pain in my right lower back and right leg. Since I had numerous back operations, I thought it was an inflamed nerve. I went to the doctor, explained about the nerve pain, and also told him about a rash that had started on my butt a couple days before. He looked and told me I had shingles. This scared me. He gave me meds and told me what to do. I used Lotrimin – a cream for your feet, which worked very well. I have had the symptoms now for five days. It is getting better and I am back to work after four days. But I will tell you – it's very painful. Get it checked early. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: brooke, 75 or over Female (Patient)
Published: April 11
Originally, I was told I had vaginal herpes. Now it has been seven months and I still have the burning pain. Today I had blood tests and it was discovered that I have shingles. I was on Valtrex and it helped somewhat for seven months, but I couldn't go on. I went to my family doctor and was told about herpes zoster, herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). I think I waited far too long for a second opinion. By the way – I had lesions only on my buttocks for a short time; no other place. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: reab, 45-54 Male (Patient)
Published: April 02
For many years, I have had shingles from my feet all the way to the top of my head. The pain is bad – even the water hurts when I take a shower. Only after researching did I figure out what I have had all this time. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Comment from: Linda, 45-54 Female (Patient)
Published: March 08
I've had shingles three times in the last two years. I start feeling a burning pain around my left eye and left ear. The left side of my face begins to itch. Then the rash appears. The pain is so bad that all I can do is cry and pray. It seems like the Acyclovir, Neurontin and painkillers hardly touch the pain. My doctor says that I have too much stress in my life. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Related Medications: Acyclovir
Comment from: deano, 45-54 Male (Patient)
Published: February 01
I woke up on the 12th of January with a lump on my neck (gland enlarged). So I went and saw the doctor who diagnosed me with shingles. He sort of talked me out of drugs. They were on my right side of my back of head and ear. By Monday I had an break out on my face and neck. I was putting an antiseptic cream called Bepanthen on the breakouts even in my hair and ear. I saw the doctor on Tuesday and got Aciclovir(800mg). I stopped taking the Aciclovir on Sunday the 20th as I was pretty much heeled. I was physically stressed from playing sports which I think caused it. Personally I think the Bepanthen eased the rash. I live in New Zealand so I don't know if it's available in the States. Was this comment helpful?Yes
Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Shingles - Symptoms
Question: What were your shingles symptoms?
Shingles - Experience
Question: Please describe your experience with shingles.
Shingles - Pain
Question: Please discuss your experience with pain caused by shingles.
Shingles - Vaccine
Question: What was your experience with getting the shingles vaccine?
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I'm 56 years old. I talked to my doctor last year and she gave me the shingles vaccine. Just last week I came down with shingles for the first time ever. I was so surprised at the diagnosis, because the pain was nowhere near as bad as I had always heard or read about. Apparently, about 50% of people who have the vaccine can still get shingles, but with the vaccine the pain is greatly reduced, the duration is much shorter, and the post-herpetic pain is also greatly reduced. My doctor also started me on Valtrex within 48 hours of my first blister. Within 24 hours of starting the Valtrex, the pain and swelling were going away, and I didn't get any more blisters. I think the vaccine is just wonderful and I'm so glad I had it – I think I'll give my doctor a big hug when I go in for my follow-up.