I think stress did this

I used clear nail polish on the rash to keep it from spreading..it's to late to get the anti viral meds but your doctor should be able to prescribe something for the nerve pain..but truly prayer to the Lord is what got me through..as u know it's not easy to be in pain continuously and only the Lord pulled me through..

I hope u get better soon and that it's the last outbreak u will have to endure.

A friend who had shingles recently said that emu oil really helped him.  I found that getting lots of rest helped me more than anything else when I had shingles nearly a year ago.  I'd also had the shingles shot.  My pain was acute for about a month or so and then gradually abated in the next month or two.  I don't have this sharp, stabbing pain but I do have a place on the palm of my hand which runs up my thumb which is still tender to the touch, just a "friendly reminder" of what I went through.

Sorry you have shingles. My shingles was brought on by severe stress, as well. I got shingles almost a year ago and was left with PHN pain. I, too, was too late to take the antiviral drugs. As another person suggested, sleep and rest is most important for recovery. Also, trying to alleviate all stress is mandatory! Try practicing meditation, too. I used aloe vera gel for pain and itching combined with Cera Ve anti-itch cream. It helps me. Avoid heat and try not to take hot showers--cool baths with pure oatmeal packets really help, too. You can buy oatmeal bath powder online or at most pharmacies. For pain I also use over the counter Aspercream lidocaine patches. I still have nerve pain after ten months, but my pain is slowly getting better. It may take you a long time to recover because the symptoms of tiredness and lack of energy last a long time. You have to be patient and do not force yourself to continue living your life as normal. If you do try to power through, the recovery will take longer. I had to take six months off work but now I am back at my job. Good luck. 

I had the same as you beginning with back pain and when rash first showed it was diagnosed as contact dermatitis so a few days later I found out it was shingles. The doctor put me on antiviral meds but think it was too late. I was given adasol 30 for pain, but didn't help much and caused constipation so I switched to xStrength tylonal, which helps a big. Been two months and rash still red but not active. Still have numbness and burning pain in my hip and thigh. I finally went back to doctor who put me on pregabalin for nerve pain. I started taking them this morning and I slept half the day. They say I will adjust and won't feel as groggy. Not much you can do but try not to stress, get lots of rest and allow your body to heal from the virus. Stress is the big cause and I have been in a stressful situation for the last couple of weeks while doing big renovations and I think that is what has slowed down my

Recovery.  It is a nerve problem and we have to look after our nervous situation ourselves   Take care and look after yourself and get whatever help you can from your doctor 

First, I am so sorry for your pain and suffering.

The pain needs to be well controlled as it can turn into Post Herpetic Neuralgia PHN if the severe lancinating pain persists after the first month.

As you are continuing to to experience severe pain, I suggest you return to your physician and ask for an Opioid to help you through the next 2-3 weeks. Constipation can be controlled by the use of laxatives, short-term.

Ice packs and cool showers also are helpful in reducing the pain. Solarcaine with Aloe, which has Lidocaine that numbs the nerve endings will help reduce the pain, as well. Bactine is another

product that can be used to numb the nerve endings.

I suggest you rest and sleep as any increase in physical activity will increase the amount of pain, markedly. I know that for a fact! It will also stress your weary body, which needs to fight this nasty varicella virus. Do not try to power through this, please.

I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States and have had Herpes Zoster in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twenty-one years.

Please keep us posted regarding your progress.

Best Regards

Merry Juliana

I am new here. I was just diagnosed yesterday with shingles. I wanted to tell you about a treatment my father told me to use that immensely helped his pain and rash. I actually did it yesterday and had relief very quickly. You cut a piece of brown paper bag the size of the rash or painful area. Next you soak that paper in Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar until it's completely saturated. You then put the paper on the area and cover it with Saran Wrap. At first it will sting and then mine became really itchy, but then it all stopped. No more pain and no more itching. You can do this as many times a day as you need to. I hope this helps Best of luck to you!!