Antiviral medications can shorten the length or the severity of shingles. Doctors may recommend:
• acyclovir
• valacyclovir
• famciclovir
These drugs are most effective if people take them as soon as the rash appears.
There are other ways people can help ease symptoms. Over-the-counter pain medications may help with the pain. Doctors may suggest prescription-strength pain relief if the pain is not tolerable.
To help with the itching, people could try:
• applying a wet compress
• applying calamine lotion
• soaking in a lukewarm bath with ground-up oatmeal