Sometimes antidepressant agents also are effective in relieving pain after a shingles flare-up. During an active shingles attack, lesions should be kept clean. Washing hands often and not scratching can keepthem from infection. Calamine lotion or cool, wet compresses can be soothing and protect lesions. Anyone with shingles should be under the advisement of a physician.
New treatments can reduce the likelihood of recurrences.