Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a medical condition that affects individuals who have previously had chickenpox. "After you've had chickenpox," says the Mayo Clinic, "the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain." In some patients, the virus may become reactivated, creating symptoms of itchy, red skin, a fever and other flu-like symptoms such as headache and fatigue. You can reduce the itchiness of shingles at home with items you may already have around the house.
Step 1
Take a pain reliever, like ibuprofen or naproxen, suggests the Mayo Clinic. An over-the-counter pain reliever can help reduce symptoms of swelling and irritation due to shingles. Take the medication exactly as directed on the bottle's label.
Step 2
Prepare a mixture of aspirin and chloroform and apply it to the skin, suggests Robert King, M.D., in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Crush up two aspirin tablets into a fine powder, then add 2 tbsp. of chloroform. Mix thoroughly with a spoon, then apply the paste to the skin as needed throughout the day.
Step 3
Take a cool bath in colloidal oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is available at drugstores, or you can make it by grinding dried oats in a clean coffee grinder. Place one handful of colloidal oatmeal into the bathtub water, then soak as needed to relieve itching.
Step 4
Place a wet dressing on particularly itchy areas of the skin. Rinse a piece of gauze or a towel in cold water, then apply it directly to the skin as needed to soothe the red, itchy rash.
Tips and Warnings
- Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to help speed up the healing time of shingles.
- Consult a doctor if you have a high fever.
Things You'll Need
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Book
- 2 aspirin tablets
- 2 tbsp. chloroform
- Oatmeal
- Coffee grinder
- Gauze or towel
