The same virus that causes the chickenpox may resurface in the body years later as shingles. Signs of shingles include a rash, pain and itching on one side of the body and blisters. Pain associated with shingles may be so severe it lasts for months or years, according to MedlinePlus. The website states there is no cure for shingles; however, treatment may lessen the severity of symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, early treatment shortens the duration of infection and decreases the risk of complications.
Step 1
Use over-the-counter medications to treat initial pain. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as anti-itch creams such as calamine lotion may reduce severity of symptoms. Always eat food when taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to decrease the risk of gastric complications.
Step 2
Take prescription medications for pain as prescribed by your medical doctor. Narcotics, anticonvulsants and antidepressants are commonly prescribed. Apply numbing agents to the skin, for additional pain relief. Numbing agents are applied via transdermal patches, lotions are gels.
Step 3
Avoid strenuous activities and increase periods of rest if you feel tired. Avoid over exertion and stress that may cause pain symptoms to increase, reports MayoClinic.com. Practice relaxation techniques including mediation, yoga or tai chi.
Step 4
Apply cool compresses to blisters to decrease pain and discomfort, suggests MayoClinic.com. Dip a washcloth in ice water to create the compress and press onto skin for relief as needed. Take a cool bath for additional relief. Do not rub your skin after bathing; instead, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Always wash your towels immediately after use.
Tips and Warnings
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke reports, once blisters from shingles heal, the pain associated with the condition decreases within three to five weeks. The shingles vaccine is recommended to people over the age of 60 who have suffered from chickenpox. The vaccine decreases the likelihood of an outbreak by 50 percent, as well as decreasing the severity of symptoms if a shingles outbreak does occur.
- A person with shingles can pass the virus to someone who has not suffered from the chickenpox. The person will suffer from chickenpox and not from shingles, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Shingles is a serious threat to patients with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients or those suffering from an HIV infection.
Things You'll Need
- Antiviral drugs and other prescription medications
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-itch creams
- Washcloth
- Ice water
- Bowl
- Bath towel
