From the Research
For a shingles rash, capsaicin lotion is recommended as a topical treatment to help reduce pain by depleting substance P in nerve endings, as evidenced by studies such as 1 and 2. When considering the treatment of shingles rash, it's essential to prioritize options that not only alleviate symptoms but also consider the potential for reducing the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles.
- Topical capsaicin has been shown to be effective in reducing pain associated with shingles, as it depletes substance P from sensory nerve fibers, thereby reducing the transmission of pain signals 3, 4.
- The application of capsaicin lotion should be gentle and avoid rubbing vigorously, as this could irritate the blisters.
- Cool, wet compresses before lotion application can provide additional relief.
- It's also important to note that while capsaicin can be beneficial for pain management, antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir should be started within 72 hours of rash appearance to be most effective in reducing the severity and duration of shingles 1.
- Other topical treatments such as calamine lotion or colloidal oatmeal lotions can be used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, but capsaicin stands out for its specific action on pain pathways.
- If the pain is severe or persists, consulting a healthcare provider for additional pain management strategies is advisable.