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If you've had shingles, or know someone who has, you know that the pain can be unbearable and the lesions hideous. Shingles is a viral infection that can occur anywhere on the body, and causes an intense, painful rash. Oftentimes it looks like a stripe of blisters that wraps around the side of your torso. The bottom line is, you want relief, and you want it now.
Increasingly, people are opting for natural, over-the-counter products in order to avoid costly prescription drugs with undesirable side effects. These options are typically in the form of supplements or topical creams. The supplements are taken a few times a day in order to keep the harsher symptoms at bay. The topical creams and gels provide cooling to the burning lesions as well as penetrate deep into the skin's surface to alleviate the nerve pain.
Thursday, April 24th
Dermachange's belief, for more than 15 years, is that one should not have to sacrifice health for beauty. This is why they have searched the world for the best ingredients from nature to create natural products that are of highest quality as well as affordable. Their products are created in small batches, and are continually tested to make sure they are the best.
Safe for all skin types
Because Dermachange's products are clean, made with medical-grade, organic ingredients, and without potentially harmful chemicals, they are safe and ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.
Cruelty free
All of Dermachange's products are certified cruelty-free. None of the formulations has ever been tested on animals at any stage of creating it: from innovation, to development, to manufacturing. And they have never allowed anyone to test on animals on their behalf.
Protective moisture
The protective moisture of the natural ingredients in Dermachange are specially chosen to soothe the pain and discomfort of shingles.
Apply as needed
Apply enough Dermachange to the affected area. Continue as often as possible to keep these key ingredients combating the harsh effects of shingles on the skin and nerves. They recommend 4-6 applications per day.
Give it some time to work
It's important to remember that it takes three months for the bottom layer of the skin to rise to the top, so you may not see the full results of Dermachange until after a full cycle of skin renewal.
Remember to be gentle with your skin
Your natural skin is balanced at a pH level of 5.5, and Dermachange also has a similar pH level to care for your delicate skin. Traditional skincare, haircare, as well as cleaning products can have a pH level of 9-11, which can be harsh on the skin. Try to stay away from harsh products on your skin, especially while using Dermachange, and it'll allow a better and more efficient healing process.
90-day return policy
If you're not completely satisfied with Dermachange, let them know within 90 days and they'll let you try a different product if you'd like, or you can have your money back. Because of the body's long process of skin renewal, try to give it the full 90 days using the product before you decide if it works for you or not.
People love it
There are over 1,000 positive reviews of Dermachange, praising it for the moisturization and helping with itching and healing of shingles. They have also found other skin uses for Dermachange, so they are happy to have the product on hand. A few consumers were disappointed that Dermachange didn't work more quickly or efficiently for the extreme nerve pain shingles can cause, but we find that this can be the case with most any shingles product.
It's a winner
This topical product is made in the US, never tested on animals, offers a lengthy 90-day guarantee, and is effective at helping to ease the symptoms of shingles. It's also quite reasonably priced for a natural product. For these reasons, we gave Dermachange our highest rating.
Terrasil is created by Aidance Scientific, which offers skincare and topical solutions for customers and healthcare in the US and around the world. Aidance Scientific has spent about two decades researching skin issues that are natural, and this has led to numerous impressive discoveries. Their ongoing efforts have helped them to seek out new ways to educate customers about their problematic skin conditions, the benefits of natural ingredients, and the importance of safe products.
Use as often as needed
Simply wash and dry the affected area and apply a thin layer of the Terrasil ointment. You can reapply throughout the day as needed for best results. Some over-the-counter products limit the number of applications per day, but this natural product allows repeated applications for your best results.
3x action
Terrasil boasts its 3x action: targeted delivery, fast relief, and calms irritation. What more could you want when looking for shingles relief?
Activated Minerals
Terrasil and other Aidance Scientific products contain their proprietary Activated Minerals, which is a blend of silver oxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, and volcanic clay (bentonite). This combination was created to make the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients faster and more targeted, greatly improving their effectiveness.
90-day money-back guarantee
You have 90 days to return the product if you're not satisfied.
It works
Most of the reviewers of Terrasil were quite pleased with the results, saying that immediately they began to feel the cooling and relief from itching. There were a few who said that their symptoms cleared up much sooner than expected: redness, blisters, and areas shrinking. Since shingles symptoms can be quite intense for a long period of time, this was great news to hear. Some said that the relief was temporary, but they did appreciate it, and still applied the cream often for a continued span of relief.
Give it a try
We were more than pleased to hear that some shingles sufferers found that their symptoms seemed to dissipate right away with Terrasil. The ingredients are all natural, and you can apply as often as needed. It's a bit pricey at about $19 per ounce, but might be quite worth the money if you get the results others have had.
You can have confidence that Lemon Balm was handmade and crafted with love and care for your skin ailments; it's all natural and never tested on animals. This product is offered by Urban ReLeaf, a family-owned small business.
Hand bottled in small batches
The owner's mom was raised by a biologist, and back in the 1980s, natural healing products were hard to find, so she created her own. Friends and family were interested in using her remedies, and so the business began. Even today, each batch of Lemon Balm and all of the other Urban ReLeaf products are made and hand bottled in small batches, right in the U.S. Urban ReLeaf is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, but they do have an "A+” rating with zero complaints.
Apply very little, but frequently
The one-ounce jar is small and looks like it won't last long or cover much area. But if you take just a little bit and rub it between your fingers to warm up the salve, the application will be quite smooth and cover more area of the skin than you'd think.
Natural ingredients
Shea butter is the first ingredient. It's naturally thick and may have little lumps. Shea butter works best when it's warmed up to become more creamy, dissolving any lumps or grit, so it's easier to spread. The other ingredients in Lemon Balm are essential oils: lemon balm oil is typically used for the pain and discomfort; tea tree oil for inflammation, an anti-bacterial, and for soothing skin; and peppermint oil for the itching.
Not just for shingles
Lemon Balm's label says that it can quickly soothe symptoms from cold sores, shingles, and rashes. It can be used on lips and delicate, irritated skin. It can also be used for bug bites and other skin ailments.
Customers love it for shingles and other skin issues
Although the majority of Lemon Balm's reviewers have used this for various skin issues, shingles sufferers are happy with it. When oral medication couldn't control the itching or slow down the lesion growths, Lemon Balm seemed to do the trick for one fan. Another said it soothed the shingles' blisters and the healing seemed to happen more quickly when using Lemon Balm. They find their best results when applied quite often, even every two hours.
How old was their product when shipped?
There were a few customers who said that their Lemon Balm product, upon opening, looked and smelled moldy. Some have included photos of the mold in their review. We'd suggest a best-by label that not only the user, but the manufacturer can use as a guideline.
Great product, multiple uses
People love to keep Urban Relief's Lemon Balm on hand for almost any skin irritation, and it's strong enough for the severe effects of shingles. Those who suffer with shingles find Lemon Balm works best when applied quite often. This all-natural product, never tested on animals, works great. We don't hesitate to give Urban Relief's Lemon Balm a good recommendation.
Los Angeles' Base Laboratories is a health and wellness company focusing on various ways to care for irritated skin. Their main focus is on products for aftercare for tattoos and piercings, but other products care for wounds, eczema, keloids, scars, and shingles. They create innovative and effective products so you can start to feel better more quickly.
Shingbase says it in the name: its focus is shingles
Shingbase pinpoints the terrible itching, burning, and nerve pain that shingles cause. Lidocaine 4% and menthol 1%, which are analgesics, or topical pain relievers, are the active ingredients in Shingbase. Other ingredients such as aloe vera help to soothe and calm the pain of the rash.
Itch relief
Not only does Shingbase help the itching and pain of shingles, this fast-acting pain-relief cream also helps with eczema and psoriasis as well as numbness, tingling, pins and needles pain, and sensitivity to touch.
Cruelty-free
Shingbase and all the products at Base Laboratories are cruelty-free and do not contain any animal products. They are also free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Apply 3-4 times a day
It might sound like four times a day is a generous amount of applications, but with the severe pain and burn that shingles can cause, shingles sufferers often want a product to safely apply more often for more relief. Children 12 and under should not use this product.
It's worth a try
With more than 1,000 customer reviews, many found Shingbase as their answer. Not only did they find relief from shingles' itch and pain, they found it could even be applied to painful blisters. The menthol offered a nice smell and actually seemed to literally cool the burning sensation. It is not super thick, so it spreads nicely and has a nice texture. Some didn't like that the relief was temporary. On the other hand, some said it worked for a few days, and others said the cooling lasted only minutes, so they preferred an ice pack. One didn't like that the narrow container resembled a pill bottle and the cream was hard to access.
Shingbase has shingles in the name
Many skin-relief products include shingles as one of the ailments it helps, but Shingbase has shingles in the name, so you know it's intended for the intensity of shingles symptoms. You can apply up to four times a day, but for some, that's just not enough relief. It's our least expensive, at about $4 per ounce, so we don't see any reason to not give it a try.
Mirakel's creator, Tony Gay, wanted to find a better solution for his skin conditions. He challenged himself to find a combination of ingredients to successfully battle various skin issues including shingles, poison ivy, insect bites, severe burns, and more.
New to market
He found his miracle cream, calling it, of course, Mirakel. As more friends and family began using Mirakel, the word spread, and Tony began working with investors to create the US company Sanvio; all of the board members have used and are now literally invested in the product they love. The product has been out since 2022.
Read the label carefully
The label will tell you not to use Mirakel over large areas of the body. Shingles can cover larger areas of the skin, so keep this in mind. Be aware of possible allergies, and don't apply more than 3-4 times per day.
High strength without a prescription
Mirakel contains Benzocaine 20% and Resorcinol 3%, which is the highest amount you can receive without a prescription. In addition, six natural ingredients known for their healing, soothing, and hydrating properties are infused into the Mirakel cream. This product is dermatologist-tested.
It helps unbearable pain
With over 300 reviews, more than half are quite satisfied with Mirakel. People are pleasantly surprised how well it has greatly lessened their unbearable pain from shingles or other itchy/painful conditions. The few complaints were that Mirakel didn't help their itch or pain, and a couple have said that the tube has arrived half full; one thought the product may have been old as it was brownish in color, but the replacement tube had white cream, as expected.
There may be a satisfaction guarantee
You'll have to contact the company for any satisfaction guarantee on this product as there isn't mention of one on the label.
Good option
Mirakel combines known over-the-counter itch and pain relief with natural, soothing ingredients that are infused. Most customers say it's worth the money spent, even though the product may not fill the tube all the way. If you have a large area of skin affected by shingles, Mirakel may not be the product for you, so check with your healthcare provider. If you're looking for a quick, temporary relief from shingles pain, as many have attested, check out Mirakel, but also contact the manufacturer for any satisfaction guarantee if you'd like a surefire way to get your money back if it doesn't work for you.
Zorvion Health Labs' mission is to develop innovative products to prevent and correct chronic diseases, and make it affordable to the user. They combine science and nature in a holistic approach to bring you the best of both worlds with safe and effective products.
Recovery on the second day?
Zorvion shows a diagram of irritated, blistered skin with rashes due to shingles. On Day 1, apply Zorvion and the skin is soothed, inflammation is reduced, and there's deep relief from pain, burning, and itching. On Day 2, you can have normal, healthy skin, as the active ingredients stop the pain and speed up recovery - according to their illustration. There have been no reviews that we've read that can back this up to this degree. Zorvion also claims to rapidly clear shingles rash in five hours. Still, we can't find anyone who has had these results so quickly.
MicroNerve delivery system
MicroNerve is Zorvion's patented technology to deliver healing deep into the skin and to restore damaged cells to alleviate itching and burning. MicroNerve's ingredient is derived from eucalyptus.
No review backs up their astonishing claims
There aren't a lot of reviews of Zorvion. Many of those who did review the product liked it, one calling it a game-changer. A few did see results such as blistering, redness, and rash going away, which yes, would be a game changer. Others said it worked no better than other, less expensive products. Trustpilot reviews gave it 4.1 stars on average, coinciding with other reviews we've noted. However, not one review that we've seen has declared that Zorvion cleared up their shingles rash in five hours or that there was recovery on the day after the first application.
Pricey, but good return policy
We love that Zorvion was created to lessen the effects of shingles in record time. It seems that for a few customers this is true. But we don't see enough evidence to shout its praises from the rooftop, to where we'd be encouraging you to spend $52 on a one-ounce tube of Zorvion. What we can say is that there is a 60-day return policy, so it might be worth a shot, and for that reason, we have rated it more highly than we would have otherwise.
Zosterex is a product formulated by Approved Science. They are committed to help people live with optimal health by providing the best nutritional supplements.
Developed by professionals
Products are developed by nutritionists, medical researchers, and scientists, and have the highest assurance and quality control, thorough research development and excellent customer support. They vow to support your health from product creation to your implementation.
Dual-action formula
Most shingles products don't contain the dynamic duo that Zosterex has: 1,000 milligrams of L-lysine is the powerhouse amino acid known to help control shingles; the other is a unique proteolytic enzyme complex to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. A third secret is their mushroom complex to boost immunity, and a fourth is a range of B vitamins to support nerve cell damage.
It gets to the root of shingles
Zosterex doesn't just target the symptoms on the surface level: it also targets the root cause of shingles and helps to prevent future outbreaks.
Check for a sale
You may find a banner that boasts over 40% off, or ask Customer Service if there's an offer available if you don't see one on the website.
60-day money-back guarantee
You can return any of the bottles, whether opened or unopened, within 60 days for a full refund, less shipping costs.
Lack of testimonials
There just aren't testimonials out there, outside of Approved Science's website. There are no Trustpilot reviews and they're not recognized by the Better Business Bureau.
Nothing to lose
Zosterex is a tablet taken twice a day for not only the relief of shingles' pain, burning, and itching, but also to address shingles' nerve issues and prevent future outbreaks. We like that Zosterex is an all-encompassing shingles product: it claims to relieve symptoms, protect your system, and calm, relax, and repair the nerves. But because we don't have consumer input, we can't rate this product more highly. Keep in mind that there's a 60-day return policy, so there's no risk in spending the money on this product.
Olive leaves have been used for over 1,000 years as a salve for skin ailments. Oleavicin grows and harvests their own organic olives from their 5,000+ olive trees in Santa Barbara County, California, as the climate and soil are ideal for olive production. More than ten generations of the Makela family have lived in Santa Barbara, caring for the olive orchards. Oleavicin's sister company, California Coast Naturals, sells the olives and olive oils.
Olive leaf extract
This is the key to Oleavicin's products, including Oleavicin Shingles Gel. Olive leaf extract has been used for centuries on many skin conditions and other ailments. Why? Olive leaf extract begins to protect and restore skin cells immediately upon application. Oleuropein is the active ingredient in the olive leaf, and it's so potent that researchers are studying its potential for antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant applications.
Other soothing ingredients
St. John's Wort and Bee Propolis are other ingredients used for skin soothing, Allantoin is a potent antioxidant, and Aloe Barbadensis is a natural moisturizer that provides cooling hydration.
Clean product
Oleavicin Shingles Gel is non-GMO and there is no animal testing on their products.
Are you a fan of Oleavicin Lip Gel?
Well, if you are, we have good news. Oleavicin Shingles Gel has the same formulation as Oleavicin Lip Gel. If it's the same formula, is it cheaper to buy the Lip Gel instead? No. You'd need about five of the tiny tubes of lip gel to get to the one ounce of Shingles Gel, and the price to do so wouldn't be worth it.
Soothing on contact
Oleavicin Shingles Gel soothes, cools, and comforts the burning, itching, painful skin from shingles, just as soon as it's applied.
Also soothes eczema and psoriasis
This formula is also recommended for the discomfort of eczema and psoriasis, and says so on the front of the box. It looks like the olive leaf extract really is beneficial for many skin irritations.
They're confident that it will soothe immediately
If your irritation or inflammation intensifies after the application, Oleavicin suggests discontinuing use. And if your condition doesn't begin to improve within 72 hours, they suggest that you consult a physician. They tell you it will work, and if it doesn't, or worsens, it's time to see a medical professional - that's confidence in their product.
Apply as needed
With other topical products you might be limited to the number of applications daily, but this isn't the case with Oleavicin. You can apply as often as it's needed to help relieve symptoms. The instructions suggest applications every three hours, but their website says to apply as needed.
No contraindications
Oleavicin Shingles Gel has no reported side effects and no reported interactions with other medications. It's even safe for those who are pregnant or nursing. It is not suggested that children under the age of two years use the product, however.
No customer reviews
There aren't any reviews on Oleavicin's Shingles Gel except for one 5-star rating on Yelp. More than 120 customers do love the same formulation for their cold sores and more.
Multiple uses for one shingles or skin product isn't unusual
Although it seems quite odd that Oleavicin would use the same formula for lip use such as cold sores, canker sores, and more as well as shingles, it's not unusual. There are other products that we also recommend that are multi-use for various skin ailments.
We recommend it, but with hesitation
We like that olive leaf extract has been used for more than 1,000 years for various skin conditions, and is the ingredient Oleavicin is named after. We like that the same product formulation can be used for more skin conditions than shingles, and is loved by its users - for the other skin conditions, though. We like that Oleavicin is so confident in their product that if you don't find a decrease in symptoms in 72 hours, they suggest you seek a medical professional. Unfortunately, there aren't customer reviews available in order for us to rate this product more highly. We can only give Oleavicin's shingles product a mid-tier score.
Clear the Pain is the company behind their shingles product, Clear Cold Sores, Shingles & U.T.I.'s. Their mission statement centers around natural healing, promoting the safest, purest, and most effective use of homeopathic formulas by dedicating their talents to the health industry to improve the quality of life and health for all.
A natural product created by an acupuncturist
Clear the Pain has been around for more than 25 years and was started by Dr. Stanley Ozog, a licensed acupuncturist, with a long list of degrees and certifications. He continues working in private practice as well as speaking as a regular on a radio show where he discusses alternative medicine, and he lectures across the U.S. With all of that on his plate, he still devotes much time to the research and development of new homeopathic products.
Homeopathic
The homeopathic ingredients in Clear the Pain's shingles product are Clematis 6X, Iris Versicolor 6X, Nitricum Acidum 6X, and Ranunculus Bulbosus 6X, which help to relieve the outbreak and pain related to shingles and more.
Six capsules per day
Take two capsules three times a day as needed or as otherwise prescribed by your health practitioner. Don't exceed 9 pills in a 24-hour period. Clear the Pain's shingles product is intended for use for acute symptoms only, not for prevention. If the conditions don't improve in two weeks, consult a physician.
Don't worry that you order 6 bottles at a time
It seems a bit hefty ordering six bottles at a time, but when the recommended daily dosage is 6 capsules, you'll go through a 60-capsule bottle in only ten days. So, if you want to give the product enough time to work well, or you don't want to have to go without when your bottle runs out, the six-pack set for two months' use really is a good idea.
90-day return policy
You have 90 days to return the product from the place of purchase for a full refund. Check your retailer's policies for more specific information.
Few customer reviews
We've looked far and wide for customer reviews, but there isn't a significant number in order to make a call on customer satisfaction for this shingles product.
It doesn't hurt to try it
The ingredients are homeopathic, and there are no side effects. Also, Clear the Pain has an excellent return policy. We do believe that their product for shingles relief is a good choice. But, with so little external information to confirm (or refute) the product's effectiveness, we can only offer a middle-of-the-road score here.
Gigartina, a red marine algae topical ointment for immune support, is made by Vibrant Health, a company that sells mostly superfood formulas and dietary supplements for nutritional health. Gigartina is the only topical product they sell, and the label says it's best for skin issues including cold sores, chapped lips, and lesions, but no mention of shingles. Vibrant Health is one of the country's largest Black-owned businesses, and their products, including Gigartina, have won several awards.
Product not specifically for shingles
Gigartina Red Marine Algae Ointment supports immunity and helps to support skin health and relief. Some fans of the product liked the soothing effects on the skin after the shingles virus itself began to subside, but nowhere on the package does it mention aiding in the severe symptoms that shingles can cause.
Vegetarian and plant-based?
Vibrant Health has on their label that they are vegetarian and plant based, but one of the main ingredients is emu oil. Emu oil, the first ingredient on the label, is known for its soothing and ointment-like properties, but it comes from an emu, most likely farmed for its meat.
A little goes a long way
There is only a quarter of an ounce of product in this little tube of ointment, but happy consumers will tell you that it spreads nicely and it doesn't take a lot of product to cover a small area. Use a clean, cotton swab to place the ointment, then apply to the area and gently spread throughout the affected area. Reapply as needed.
Consumers love it, mostly for other skin irritations
Those who love the product use it on their dry or chapped lips, cold sores, dry nostrils, healing skin from a minor irritation or injury, and for various other skin dryness or irritation. There are a few happy customers who have used Gigartina on the lesions and rashes from shingles, finding it helpful once the severe symptoms have settled and can soothe the skin irritation. Several have complained that especially for the price, 1/4 ounce just isn't enough or worth it.
Not enough product or strength for shingles
We realize that the tiny tube of product is intended for smaller areas of skin such as those affected by cold sores, chapped lips, and lesions, and for those skin symptoms, customers are happy. We just don't find it has enough product or strength for the pain, itching, and large surface area that shingles can affect. That leaves us without much of a choice but to knock Gigartina as a shingles relief remedy (though we'd give it a much higher score for those other uses).
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox: varicella-zoster virus. If you've had chicken pox, that virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Later on in life, it can reactivate as shingles. The painful rashes can occur anywhere on your body, even on the face or near your eyes.
Mayo Clinic says that early detection may shorten the infection and lessen the chance of complications, such as shingles pain for an extended period after the blisters have cleared. Shingles seems to be more common in older adults with weakened immune systems, whether due to cancer, medications, or chronic illness.
Suggestions for avoiding shingles or to lessen the severity of the symptoms are to get the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for those over 50. You should also maintain a healthy immune system by eating right, exercising, and avoiding stress. If you do find symptoms, seek early healing and steer clear of people who haven't had chicken pox, as they might end up getting that from you.
The supplements are taken a few times a day in order to keep the harsher symptoms at bay and start the healing process. The topical creams and gels provide cooling to the burning lesions as well as penetrate deep into the skin's surface to alleviate the nerve pain.
When considering which over-the-counter product to purchase for shingles relief, here are some important points to consider:
Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best shingles relief supplements and topical creams available today to help you choose the one that offers the best results and has a fair price tag. We're confident that this information will get you on the road to recovery with relief from shingles.
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