Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Look for support among other people living with shingles. Nearly 50 percent of those cases affect people who are at least 60 years old. Check community listings or online for support groups in your area. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Do not scratch at your blisters or skin during an outbreak. This will only make your pain and the severity of your shingles worse. Avoid people who have not been infected by chicken pox or have not had the chicken pox vaccine.
Shingles is not contagious, but during an outbreak, you can give chicken pox to children and adults who have not been exposed to or vaccinated against the varicella virus. Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References About This Article. Medically reviewed by:. Victor Catania, MD.
Co-authors: Updated: September 15, Categories: Featured Articles Chickenpox Varicella. Medical Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Article Summary X Shingles can be unpleasant when left untreated, but fortunately with medical support and home treatments, you can live with the condition more comfortably. Italiano: Convivere con l'Herpes Zoster.
Nederlands: Leven met gordelroos. Bahasa Indonesia: Hidup dengan Herpes Zozter. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Reader Success Stories Anonymous Dec 23, This article answered a lot of my concerns and with a visit with my regular doctor two days later, I was surprised at how good the info was.
More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Anonymous Dec 23, Hal Sim Aug 4, This is a very helpful article, recommended for anyone susceptible to this symptom. Daniel Lujan Oct 16, My pain was a ten. If I stand up, the pain is excruciating. Getting up for the bathroom or to eat meals is unbearable.
Watch your step. Lemual Thompson Nov 18, Seems like whenever I contract something there is lots of stress involved. Now I know to just take it easy and keep my mind off it. Cathy Cederquist Oct 16, Then tepid baths in Epsom salt with lots of rosemary. And resting! The sovereign remedy -- with a cup of chamomile and linden tea. Share yours! Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which is also responsible for chickenpox.
After an individual has had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. The virus can reactivate at any time, even decades later.
If it reactivates, it travels along nerve fibers to the skin. This reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus is referred to as shingles. Although no cure exists for shingles, a prompt medical diagnosis is imperative in order to receive proper treatment. Medications are available that accelerate the healing process, ease pain and reduce inflammation. Early treatment is crucial to avoid complications associated with shingles, so a health care provider should be consulted as soon as possible if shingles is suspected.
In addition to conventional and over-the-counter medications, various at-home remedies may help decrease the pain and discomfort associated with the shingles virus:. The affected area should be kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible to accelerate the healing process. Cleansing will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Keeping the affected area dry and exposed to air will help heal the rash. Regularly bathing with cool or lukewarm water may reduce shingles symptoms.
Bathing in hot water is not recommended. A simple tip to shorten the duration of shingles includes adding cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch to some lukewarm water in the bathtub and soaking in it for at least minutes.
Afterward, take a shower and carefully towel dry the skin. Hot water increases blood flow, which can worsen shingles; therefore, a hot shower should be avoided. Towels should be immediately washed to avoid spreading the virus. A cool, moist compress can ease pain and itchiness. Soaking a cloth in cool water and applying it directly to the rash several times daily can help.
A cool, moist compress can also be used after taking a bath or shower. An ice pack should not be used as it can increase skin sensitivity, causing increased pain. To avoid bacterial infections and reduce spreading shingles, blisters should not be scratched or burst.
Calamine lotion can reduce itchiness, soothe irritated skin, and help dry out blisters. Creams containing capsaicin may ease the inflammation and pain associated with shingles. A homemade paste can be used as well. A homemade paste can be made by mixing one part water with two parts cornstarch or baking soda ; this can be applied directly to the rash. How to Shower With Shingles. Written by Alicia Bodine.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. Related Articles. References MayoClinic. Shingles Herpes Zoster : Clinical Overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated August 14, Shingles Vaccination.
Updated January 25, Herpes Zoster in the Older Adult. Infect Dis Clin North Am. Presentation and management of herpes zoster shingles in the geriatric population. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Shingles: Hope Through Research. Updated August 13, Use of electroanalgesia and laser therapies as alternatives to opioids for acute and chronic pain management.
Updated August 7, Shingles: Overview.
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