My mother had the shingles about 3 years ago. She had a continous blister from her sternum to her spine under her breast. The only relief was when we would apply Aloe Vera gel. She went through so much pain that I went and got the shot. My insurance paid for it. 3 years later she still uses Aloe Vera gel with the pain deadner in it , both morning and night. She can no longer wear a bra, because of severe tenderness.