I had shingles many many years ago. i found i gad to treat the rash separate from the pain. for the rash i used Diaperene or cortisol ointment. the idea is to dry up the rash. any ointment that can be used for poison ivy or diaper rash will work. for the pain i used cold things like cooling sheets and cold towels (towels put in the refrigerator. but i have to tell you that neuralgia (pain along the nerve pathways) affected by the shingles may last years