Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the virus varicella-zoster, which causes chickenpox. As with most viruses, there is no cure. Once you contract a virus, you may experience a round of symptoms, and, even when the symptoms subside, the virus lays dormant in your nerve cells until stimulated. If you have had chickenpox, varicella-zoster is laying dormant in your body and can be reactivated as shingles. One of the most difficult symptoms of shingles is the pain. Although there is no cure for shingles, steps can be taken to treat the pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Step 1
Wash blisters from shingles twice a day with hypoallergenic soap and warm water to remove any dirt that may infect or cause any further skin irritation. Be sure your hands are clean before touching any part of your skin.
Step 2
Mix 1 ounce of vinegar with 32 ounces of cold water and use clean towels to make cool compresses. Apply compresses to skin three times per day.
Step 3
Take a cool bath. Mix in baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal such as Aveeno.
Step 4
Use a cream with capsaicin. Capsaicin reduces the presence of substance P, a neurochemical that transmits pain.
Step 5
Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Aleve. In extreme case, ask your doctor for a prescription pain medication to relieve the pain.
Step 6
Avoid stress, which can increase the pain you're feeling. Try breathing exercises to remain calm until the pain subsides. Try this simple breathing exercise. Sit up straight and close your eyes. Breathe in for five seconds, then exhale for five seconds. Concentrate on the rise and fall of your chest (instead of the extension and retraction of your stomach) to ensure that you are using full lung capacity. Do simple breathing as often as necessary when you feel stressed.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat pineapple or papaya. These fruits contain proteolytic enzymes, which reduce inflammation and, because they are all natural, they do not have the same side effects as drugs used to treat shingles. Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream such as Neosporin, Calamine lotion or oral antihistamine such as Benadryl to relieve itching associated with shingles.
Things You'll Need
- Hypoallergenic soap
- Vinegar
- Clean towels
- Baking soda
- Uncooked or colloidal oatmeal
- Cream containing capsaicin
- Pain medication (over-the-counter or prescription)
