Singles is a viral medical condition that is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, says the Mayo Clinic. Individuals who have had chickenpox have the dormant varicella zoster virus in the body, which may reactivate as shingles later in life. Symptoms of shingles include a painful, itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, particularly the nose and eyes. To prevent scarring, do not scratch shingles on the face.
Hydrogen Peroxide
If you have scratched your shingles, you may notice open, irritated sores on your skin. To help reduce infection and help the shingles heal more quickly, dab the afflicted area of the face with hydrogen peroxide, suggests Leon Robb, M.D., director of the Robb Pain Management Group in Los Angeles, California. Using a clean cotton ball, dab on a small amount of hydrogen peroxide straight from the bottle. Repeat once a day to help reduce infection, stop itching and allow the area to heal.
Calamine Lotion
If shingles are itchy and irritated, dab them with calamine lotion, recommends the Mayo Clinic. You can purchase calamine lotion at the drugstore or grocery store. Saturate a sterile cotton ball with calamine lotion, then dab a small amount of the pink liquid onto the itchy areas of the face. As the lotion dries, it will help cool the skin and reduce itching. An itchy area with a layer of dry calamine lotion over it may also help you resist the urge to scratch and prevent you from scratching the areas when you sleep.
Wet Dressings
Placing a wet dressing over the itchy areas of your face may help cool the area and stop itchiness, says James J. Nordlund, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Rinse a clean washcloth with very cold water, then wring it out and apply it directly to the face, recommends Dr. Nordlund. A cold, wet dressing will help draw heat out of the skin and prevent itching and irritation.
Ice
After shingles blisters have healed, you still may experience itching on the face. To help reduce the itching, rub a bag of ice cubes over the afflicted area, recommends Dr. Robb. Rubbing the area with ice may help stop the nerves from signaling that the area is itching. Whenever you feel itchiness on your face, rub the area with the bag of ice cubes. Continue until itching has subsided.
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