My friend has shingles. What is the best way to make a person with shingles more comfortable? Is there a cream, food, or medication that helps? 

There is a medication that the Dr can prescribe for pain relief and the itching. I can't remember the name of it, but has your friend seen their MD?

A reminder to everyone to get the shot when they reach 60. I know it is a very painful condition and if a shot helps, it is worth it. 

A reminder to everyone to get the shot when they reach 60.

I got mine! Unfortunately, medicare nor my supplemental insurance would pay for it so I almost needed some Preparation H after I paid for the shot! But, guess it's is worth it. 

They see the doctor next week. Till then is there some form of relief? 

I had a very mild case, never got the big ugly red patches. I used a cream I had with aloe vera in it. Not sure what the dr recommended, been too long. But like stated, mine was very, very mild. Mostly itched. At first I thought I had a rash from bug bites. 

I had a very mild case, never got the big ugly red patches. I used a cream I had with aloe vera in it. Not sure what the dr recommended, been too long. But like stated, mine was very, very mild. Mostly itched. At first I thought I had a rash from bug bites.

If you had a mild case can you get it again? 

I thought I heard you can always get them again. Not sure though. Someone also mentioned that if had once to not get vaccine. Have not asked GP abouth though, going to on next visit! 

Maybe try Sarna; over the counter cream for itching and inflammation. 

I got them on my neck and in my ear a couple of days before my wedding. They can happen at any age.
I put coconut oil on them to help with the itching and pain. The doctor gave me Valtrex, but you have to see the doctor within 3 days of first getting them.
If you haven't had the vaccine please get it. Shingles is horrible. 

I thought I heard you can always get them again.

I have been reading about shingles and everything said that it is extremely rare but you can get it more than one time. Just like chicken pox. 

Thanks everyone for your comments. I will pass them along to my friend. More comments are welcome. Thanks! 

Everyone, go get the shot and avoid all the pain, suffering, and other problems. It's really that simple. 

Everyone, go get the shot and avoid all the pain, suffering, and other problems. It's really that simple.?

For some people, it is not that simple. If their immune system is compromised they can not get the vaccine.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/should-not-vacc.htm

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine
Some people should not get shingles vaccine or should wait.
A person should not get shingles vaccine who:
has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or any other component of shingles vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
has a weakened immune system because of current:
AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system,
treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as prolonged use of high-dose steroids,
cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy,
cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
is pregnant, or might be pregnant. Women should not become pregnant until at least 4 weeks after getting shingles vaccines.
Someone with a minor acute illness, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. But anyone with a moderate or severe acute illness should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine. This includes anyone with a temperature of 101.3? F or higher. 

^To add to that list, you have to be 60 or older before they will vaccinate you. I tried but I am not 60. I imagine if there were other circumstances where you needed to be vaccinated, a doctor could find the loophole. But your average healthy Joe will have to wait until age 60 to be protected. btw my mom almost lost her eyes from shingles lesions being very close to her eyes. 

To add to that list, you have to be 60 or older before they will vaccinate you. I tried but I am not 60. I


Try try again, they lowered the age. 

That's good news. Lowered to what age, Joyce D? I was unable to get a shot last year. 

I am not certain but I'm thinking 55. You can even get it after you've had shingles they told me but must wait a year. 

I will see my doc next month and ask for one. She also told us that it's best that husband and wife get their vaccines together, at the same time.

I had Chicken Pox. Then I was plagued by canker sores for most of my life, another form of Herpes Simplex, like the Chicken Pox virus. My mom had Shingles and I take after my mom in many health ways. All signs points to no good for me and Shingles. 

See doc asap for meds to be effective. 

They saw the doctor yesterday and got several meds. I hope it helps. 

The shingles vaccine is approved for age 50 and over, but generally is not covered by insurance until age 60. You may still get shingles after vaccination, but case would most likely be milder. You may still receive vaccine after having shingles, but you must wait until blisters are dried and healed. 

but generally is not covered by insurance until age 60.



Less than 60 here and BCBS HMO covered ours 100%. 

Under 60 here, too. I have BCBS this year. I will check on it. 

And dont forget what my doctor told me; you can get the vaccine even after you have a shingles breakout. Gebapentin is a big pain med for shingles right now. I dont think it is a narcotic, or addictive. 

It is definitely possible to have shingles multiple times. Both my mom and grandmother had them multiple occasions.