 [ Symptoms ] rash on buttocks by sitting at the beach  sand fleas cutaneous larva migrans [ Disease ] treatments exist that can lessen the severity of shingles and reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia these include the antiviral drugs acyclovir zovirax famciclovir famvir and valacyclovir valtrex if you believe you have shingles it is important to see your doctor right away because you must begin one of these medications within a few days of a shingles outbreak for best results if your doctor prescribes an antiviral medication it is important to take it exactly as directed most are taken once daily for several days when taken as directed these drugs should be safe during pregnancy in addition to the medications your doctor prescribes there are over the counter otc medications and self help measures that are helpful for relieving shingles pain and itching and preventing infection these include cold compresses and cool baths to relieve blisters loose clothing and clean gauze coverings over affected areas to hasten healing of blisters and prevent infection antihistamines particularly benadryl oatmeal baths and calamine lotion to reduce itching the otc over the counter painkiller acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs nsaids such as ibuprofen advil motrin ib ketoprofen actron orudis kt and naproxen aleve to relieve pain before taking any otc medication it is important to speak with your doctor pregnant women should not take nsaids late in pregnancy