Shingles is a condition with symptoms that include a rash that begins with blisters. When you have shingles, you may feel as if your skin burns, and your skin may itch and be painful to the touch. Other symptoms include a temperature, headache, chills and an uneasy stomach. It takes between two and four weeks for a rash from shingles to disappear, but even after the rash goes away, you may still experience pain.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about taking an antiviral drug as soon as you develop a rash. An antiviral drug may decrease your chance of getting post-herpetic neuralgia. If you have PHN, ask about treatment drugs such as gabapentin, and opinoid drugs, which are often prescribed for pain. Ask about topical local anesthetics such as lidocaine and capsaicin cream. Topical local anesthetics can help relieve the often painful itching caused by PHN, as well as the pain. Discuss with your doctor all the side effects that come with taking these drugs. To lessen blister pain and dry blisters, dab them with a cold, wet cloth. If blisters become infected, ask your doctor for an antibiotic ointment.
Step 2
Take measures to prevent spreading the shingles virus, or varicella zoster virus, to others. Someone who touches the rash on an infected person during the time blisters are present can come down with the chickenpox if they never had the disease before. While the shingles rash is in the blister stage, cover the rash you have and keep your hands off of it. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day. Follow these steps until crusts form on the skin to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Step 3
Keep your spirits up if shingles bring you down. People with PHN sometime find it difficult to get through activities of the day, which can be depressing. Take a walk every day, or do some other form of light exercise. Exercise on a regular basis can help keep depression out of your life. Eating well-balanced meals and getting the sleep you need may help keep you smiling as well.
Step 4
Take a break and do things that help you relax since stress may increase the intensity of your pain. Ways to unwind include tuning in to relaxing music and meditation. Meditation is used for pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia, as well as stress.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Shingles-Hope Through Research
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Shingles Disease -- Questions and Answers (Herpes Zoster)
- National Institute on Aging: Shingles
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
- National Institute on Aging: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Meditation-An Introduction
