A shingles rash is a painful, blistery rash that can appear any place on the body, though it most often appears on the trunk of the body. The rash is caused by a viral infection known as varicella zoster, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Vaccines may help decrease your chances of getting a shingles rash and early treatments can help shorten its duration. But for those who have already been infected, home remedies may ease the discomfort associated with shingles.
Rest and Relaxation
A shingles rash may cause weakness and fatigue. Rest and relaxation are important steps towards the healing of any condition, including shingles. Stress can cause the condition to worsen by increasing pain, according to the experts at the Mayo Clinic. Relaxation techniques may be beneficial, as they may distract you from the pain and help you rest. Soft music, crafts, hobbies and light exercise are examples of activities that may help you relax.
Bathing and Compresses
Cool baths and wet compresses are simple ways to relieve the pain of a shingles rash. Itching and irritation can be alleviated by placing a cool towel or washcloth on the infected area. Soaking in a cool bath may also sooth the skin and help ease discomfort. Try adding a commercial colloidal oatmeal product to the running water as your bath fills. Products like Aveeno Oatmeal Bath are inexpensive and widely used treatments to calm a host of skin irritations like poison ivy and chicken pox.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Anti-itch Medications
Common pain relievers you may have in your medicine chest can be helpful for treating pain caused by the shingles rash. These medications may take the edge off, allowing you to rest and recuperate. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen (Advil and Aleve) can be taken frequently to reduce pain (check with a professional for dosage and safety information). These pain relievers may also be effective at easing headache pain, which may also accompany a shingles rash, according to the experts at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Over-the-counter medications like Benadryl or other oral histamines and topical anti-itch creams, such as calamine lotion, may help reduce irritation and itching, which can result in harmful scratching.
