Herpes can be shingles, herpes simplex and other types of herpes, but whether it is shingles or herpes simplex, you can use acyclovir ointment, penciclovir cream, glycerine lotion and interferon gel as topical medication. 1. Acyclovir ointment: Acyclovir ointment is an antiviral drug, which can enter into the infected cells after topical application, be broken down into monophosphate and then doped into the viral DNA and terminate its extension, so as to achieve the antiviral effect. 2. Penciclovir cream: Penciclovir cream ointment is also an antiviral drug, the mechanism is basically the same as acyclovir ointment, but compared to acyclovir ointment, the toxicity of Penciclovir ointment is relatively low. 3. Glycerite lotion: Herpes simplex or shingles patients can apply glycerite lotion externally, because glycerite lotion has the effect of calming, relieving itching, protecting the skin, and at the same time, it can also reduce the stinging sensation. 4. Interferon gel: Interferon gel can play a role by inducing cells to produce an enzyme, these enzymes can make the viral protein synthesis is inhibited, so that the virus degradation. Therefore, herpes simplex or shingles caused by herpes-like viral infections can be treated with interferon gel. It is recommended that once patients find themselves after the appearance of herpes, timely medical examination, standardized treatment, if necessary, oral antiviral drugs such as acyclovir treatment. Drugs may cause side effects, medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor, do not blindly use drugs.