Shingles, also referred to as herpes zoster is in fact caused by the same virus that breads chicken pox and can spread to anyone who has not had the chicken pox virus. Unlike chicken pox shingles can cause pain and the rash can be a little more aggressive.

There are several effective treatments used to treat shingles and the Zostavax vaccine is now available for those over the age of sixty and can help reduce both the outbreak of shingles and also how bad it develops once contracted. Anti viral drugs are most effective if used within the first few days of the shingles outbreak when the rash is just appearing.

Pain medications can also be used to treat shingles. Anti inflammatory medications and steroids can be taken to help control and manage pain as well as the more simple pain relief medication known to all as paracetamol. Pain is a common symptom of shingles and can vary greatly in each patient.

As for treating the rash, calamine lotion is highly effective due to its cooling properties. Other lotions and ointments can be used but it is better to use natural remedies as most medicated potions only aggravate the skin and prolong the healing process. Herbal remedies such as aloe vera are known for their healing properties ad can be very beneficial. The typical symptoms of the shingles rash are itchiness and soreness and both these can be relived with regular application of natural creams.