Shingles - any helpful suggestions?

[Earlybird]

I was diagnosed with shingles 3 weeks ago. I've been to the doctor several times, and been given an antibiotic and some topical creme.

Any suggestions for easing the pain, and dealing with the itching?
Anything I can do to encourage healing sooner rather than later?

Would also be interested in hearing about any homeopathic or natural remedies, if those have helped.
Does stress aggravate the condition or stop it from healing quickly?

Any advice much appreciated. This is miserable, and makes me very grateful for my usual good health.

Make sure the pain is treated properly, if not it can turn permanent.
MY DMIL was left with permant pain because treatment wasn't thorough and soon enough.

All the best...

I used aloe vera gel to soothe the pain and itchiness. Worth a try!

Epson salt and baking soda bath.
Epson salts are cheap from home bargains.

Antihistamine tablets for itching. Baking soda or oatmeal cool baths. Good old fashioned calamine lotion.

I was at the doctor within 36 hours of the rash appearing, though I had been feeling achy and sore for a few days prior. So hopefully, treatment commenced soon enough to prevent any permanent effects.

The creme I was first given burned badly once it soaked in, so I was given a mild steroid creme instead. The doctor upped the strength of that creme when I last visited.

I have been given two rounds of antibiotics (all done now), and was given a mild anti-depressant a few days ago. Evidently, the anti-depressant works on the nerve endings to sooth burning / itching.

I have hesitated to take a bath as I didn't want to soak in 'contaminated' water, so have showered instead.

You should have be given anti virals within the first 72 hours. I've never heard of anti biotics being given unless they get infected.

cocolepew - You may be correct. Maybe they were antivirals and not antibiotics. Tbh, I have been fortunate to be very healthy most of my life, so not up to speed on various drug regimes.

It probably was
There's no much you can do apart from what has already been suggested.
Hope you get better soon

Nelsons tea tree antiseptic cream