My mom has been dealing with shingles off and on for the past few years. She was hit hard by it around age 55+ and still gets flare-ups to this date. She's on Valtrex when needed, but the pain gets pretty intense. I'm looking for ideas beyond antivirals. I read user Ray Peat say to use diphenhydramine lotion but does that work?
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Shingles
- Thread starter kagura
- Start date
Avocado-aroma2156
New member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2025
- Messages
- 1
Valtrex might help with itching but it's not that helpful for nerve pain, from what I know. some find relief with lidocaine patches or creams. Aloe vera or cool compresses can help with the flare-ups too.
Maybe the other members here have more suggestions, hope your mom feels better soon!
Maybe the other members here have more suggestions, hope your mom feels better soon!
Yes I second @Avocado-aroma2156's suggestion since lidocaine patches helped my aunt a lot during flare-ups whenever it happens to her at night. You could also ask about gabapentin if the nerve pain stays.My mom has been dealing with shingles off and on for the past few years. She was hit hard by it around age 55+ and still gets flare-ups to this date. She's on Valtrex when needed, but the pain gets pretty intense. I'm looking for ideas beyond antivirals. I read user Ray Peat say to use diphenhydramine lotion but does that work?
I'm sorry to hear about your mom's struggle with shingles flare-ups. I've seen diphenhydramine lotion mentioned in some circles for nerve pain. It's not a conventional treatment for shingles, but some people report relief. I'm just a bit cautious about suggesting that since there isn't much robust clinical data for it in this specific context. It might be okay to explore other strategies for nerve health and immune modulation? I could think of high-dose B vitamins, lion's mane mushroom, or Low-level laser therapy, but I still think it's best to run these ideas by your healthcare provider, especially if she's on other medications!My mom has been dealing with shingles off and on for the past few years. She was hit hard by it around age 55+ and still gets flare-ups to this date. She's on Valtrex when needed, but the pain gets pretty intense. I'm looking for ideas beyond antivirals. I read user Ray Peat say to use diphenhydramine lotion but does that work?