Uses and Side Effects of Zostrix Cream for Shingles

Reduce Shingles Pain with Zostrix Cream

Did you know that about a third of the US population will get shingles at least once during their lifetime? More than 1.2 million people in the US get shingles yearly, and the risk is higher in adults 50 and older. But anyone can develop shingles, including younger people.¹ ²

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles. The symptoms go away when you heal from chickenpox, but VZV remains dormant in your body. The virus may reactivate later in life, causing shingles.

While there’s no cure for shingles, various treatments and remedies can shorten the illness’s course and minimize symptoms. For instance, creams like Zostrix may help improve the pain caused by shingles.

How does Zostrix work?

Zostrix is the drug brand name for capsaicin, an active ingredient in chili peppers that produces a hot and spicy kick. In addition to being a famous ingredient in spicy dishes, capsaicin has medical uses. Of course, you can’t use Zostrix if you’re allergic to capsaicin.

The compound is in medicated creams and lotions that relieve joint and muscle pain. Topical capsaicin works on a protein on the pain nerve endings in the skin (TRPV1).

Doctors use Zostrix to treat diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage in people with diabetes. It can also be useful for arthritis, back pain, or a sprain.

Here, we’re focusing on how Zostrix treats pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia—a complication of shingles that causes pain. This long-term pain occurs in the area where the shingles rash was.

PHN may last for months or years after the shingles rash clears, and the pain is sometimes severe and debilitating, affecting your daily life. Zostrix alters TRPV1, reducing PHN pain.

How to use Zostrix for postherpetic neuralgia

How you use Zostrix depends on the type of condition you’re treating. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions or use the cream as directed on the label.

Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zostrix cream for shingles, especially if you don’t understand the instructions on the label.

Here’s how to use Zostrix:

1. Clean and dry the affected area.
2. Squeeze out enough cream to thinly cover the area.
3. Apply the cream to the area where the rash was.
4. Rub it gently and thoroughly.
5. Massage Zostrix into the skin until there’s no remaining residue.
6. After applying the cream, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

You should apply the Zostrix cream 3–4 times daily for at least six weeks to achieve its full benefits. While the results might not be instant, you may notice relief after 2–4 weeks.³

Always ensure the area is clean and dry before applying Zostrix. You can use a rubber glove, cotton ball, finger cot, or clean tissue to apply Zostrix to your skin. This prevents the cream from getting on your fingers, so you won’t need to wash your hands after application.

Zostrix may cause a burning sensation when you apply it to your skin. However, the sensation is often mild and lessens as you continue using the cream.

What to avoid when using Zostrix for postherpetic neuralgia

First, Zostrix is strictly for external use, so you should not ingest it. Other things to avoid include:

• Do not apply the cream on your skin when shingles are active: Zostrix only offers relief for pain that follows shingles.
• Do not apply a large amount of the cream to the affected area—a pea-sized amount is enough.
• Do not use it on open wounds or sunburned, chapped, windburned, dry, or irritated skin.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals—rinse with water if the cream comes into contact with these areas.
• Avoid washing the treated area for at least 30 minutes. Warm water or perspiration can increase the burning sensation caused by Zostrix.
• To minimize