If you had chicken pox as a child, you can get shingles, a painful, blister-like rash that tends to affect people as they get older. The condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus that is dormant in your body after chicken pox resolves. Shingles goes away on its own after about two weeks, but the symptoms of shingles can be excruciatingly painful. Ask your doctor how to alleviate symptoms and use techniques at home to make yourself more comfortable.
Step 1
Get a diagnosis within 72 hours of outbreak, so that your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir to reduce the duration and severity of shingles.
Step 2
Soothe your skin with cool compresses, such as damp washcloths or ice packs. A cool bath may also help reduce the itching and pain associated with shingles.
Step 3
Use over-the-counter medications for relief, such as ibuprofen or naproxen; oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine can make shingles blisters less itchy. Applying a topical anti-itch cream or calamine lotion may also be helpful.
Tips and Warnings
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a shingles vaccine for anyone older than 60 who has had chicken pox; this can reduce your chances of getting shingles by up to 50 percent. Avoid strenuous physical activity and stress during an outbreak, which can make symptoms of shingles worse. Indulge yourself in relaxing activities that you enjoy, such as catching up on your reading, watching a favorite film or engaging in a craft or hobby to help distract your mind.
- A case of shingles isn't contagious; however, if someone who hasn't had chicken pox comes into contact with the broken blisters on your skin, they could get chicken pox. According to the CDC, more than a third of people who get shingles develop complications as a result. This is particularly true if you get the blisters on your face or after you turn 60 years old.
Things You'll Need
- Cool compress
- Over-the-counter pain reliever or oral antihistamine
- Over-the-counter anti-itch cream or calamine lotion
