Hello, Shingles is an infection of an individual nerve and the skin surface that is supplied by the nerve. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox can develop shingles. Treatment: There is currently no way to eliminate the shingles virus from the body. However, there are ways to ease symptoms: - Keep the rash dry and clean to reduce the risk of infection. - Wear loose-fitting clothing for comfort. - Avoid rub-on antibiotic creams or adhesive dressings, as they can slow the healing process. - If the rash needs to be covered, a non-adherent dressing should be used to prevent aggravating the skin. - Products such as Calamine lotion, which are available online, can soothe and relieve the itching. - Antihistamines can sometimes help prevent itching at night. - A doctor may prescribe painkilling medication. In some cases, antiviral medicine may be prescribed to help stop the virus multiplying, and to reduce severity and duration. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Jagadish Golabavi