The discomfort brought on by the shingles outbreak could be lessened with the use of a prescription antiviral and at-home treatment. Topical medications and appropriate bandaging are examples of this.
Remember when you had a case of chicken pox as a kid and your entire body was covered in an uncomfortable rash, burning, and itching? If you’re an adult who’s going through comparable symptoms, you could have shingles.
The varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, is what causes herpes zoster, often known as shingles. The chickenpox virus remains latent in your nerve cells even after you’ve recovered from having it as a kid or adolescent.
It seldom returns in the lives of many people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the virus reactivates and causes shingles in around 1 in 3 persons in the United States.
Although shingles can develop before age 40, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) notes that this is uncommon and that most instances occur in adults over the age of 50.
The usual duration of shingles lesions is 2 to 4 weeks. The virus can also create a severe rash that is quite uncomfortable, despite the fact that it is not life-threatening. The good news is that you can take care of your skin and lessen your discomfort as the rash cures.
1. Consult your family doctor or a dermatologist
At the first indication of shingles, ideally within 2 to 3 days after developing the rash, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician and a dermatologist. If required, they can determine the severity and recommend an antiviral.
Several days before the onset of a rash, you’ll probably notice these symptoms:
- pain
- burning
- tingling
The AAD states that beginning an antiviral within 72 hours after the appearance of the first symptoms can:
- lower the symptoms
- lessen the duration of your shingles symptoms
- reduce the likelihood of problems
2. Treat the rash on a daily basis.
After scheduling a visit with your doctor, one of the greatest things you can do is to begin treating the rash at home until it goes away.
The blister-like rash will often scab 7 to 10 days after it first emerges. According to the AAD, it normally takes 2 to 4 weeks to completely disappear.
Take the following actions every day while you’re healing:
- Wash the afflicted area gently with a cleanser without any scents.
- Dry it out.
- (Optional) Apply petroleum jelly.
- Apply nonstick gauze or a sterile bandage.
- Clean your hands completely.
Do the following as necessary to reduce discomfort and itching:
- For a few minutes, apply a chilly compress.
- Take a relaxing bath.
- Only use calamine lotion after the blisters have developed a scab.
3. Refrain from scratching the blisters.
If the blisters are bothering you, it could be tempting to scratch or pick at them. If you leave them alone, they’ll ultimately crust over and fall off.
Scarring and infection can result from picking at blisters or scabs. You may lessen the possibility that you’ll pick at the rash by cleaning them and wrapping them frequently with a fresh, sterile bandage.
4. Adhere to the fundamentals of bandaging
One step in the procedure is to keep the rash clean. A suitable bandage should also be used, especially if the rash is still weeping or leaking.
Your best option for treating a severe shingles outbreak is to use bandages that are:
- loose
- nonstick
- sterile
When changing the dressing, let the skin air dry completely before applying a fresh bandage.
Bandaging not only protects the rash but also shields you from spreading the varicella-zoster virus to others. Make careful to maintain bandages on any rashes that haven’t yet developed a scab.
Even while the virus that causes shingles can spread to people who haven’t had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccination, shingles itself is not communicable. According to the National Institute on Aging, if they come into touch with the fluid that pours from a shingles blister, they may contract chickenpox.
5. Think about applying patches, creams, or lotions.
Shingles may cause severe discomfort. A topical pain-relieving cream or patch may be recommended by your doctor if you need assistance controlling discomfort. These include nerve blockers for the skin, such as lidocaine (Lidoderm, Xylocaine).
You could also have some relief from a medicated anti-itch lotion that contains an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
You might try utilizing creams or lotions to relieve any lingering discomfort once the rash has scabbed over. Look for goods that include:
- aloe vera
- calamine
- capsaicin
- colloidal oatmeal
Additionally, your doctor could advise an oral over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID). Always abide by the dose recommendations on the label or take as directed by your doctor.
6. Use a homemade paste.
You may get rid of itching and soreness without spending a lot of money on skincare products. Instead, look for a few common items when a rash is present. For instance, applying a paste consisting of cornstarch and baking soda straight to the rash might offer much-needed comfort.
Additionally, by drying up the wounds, this DIY remedy may hasten their healing.
Utilize a mixture of water, baking soda, and cornstarch in equal proportions. Mix the ingredients together, adding just enough water to create a thick paste. Runny is not what you desire. After letting the paste dry on the rash for a few minutes, carefully rinse it off with water.
7. Be aware of the bathroom dos and don’ts
Choosing the proper water temperature for your bath or shower may have a significant impact on how your skin responds to treatment and feels. Ideally, you should avoid bathing in extremely hot water and instead use cool or lukewarm water.
The rash and blisters can also be treated with a cold, damp compress. The AAD advises placing a clean washcloth on top of the afflicted region many times each day after soaking it in cold water. For five to ten minutes, leave it on.
Avoid rubbing the region with sponges, washcloths, or exfoliants.
To provide some much-needed itch relief to your baths, you may also add colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch. Just be sure to gently pat dry your skin once you’ve finished the bath. Apply calamine lotion next to calm your skin, or if it’s still bleeding, keep it dry and wrap it in a bandage.
8. Dress comfortably
While a shingles outbreak is healing, wearing comfortable, natural fiber clothes like cotton is essential. If the rash is not wrapped, wearing too tight clothing may aggravate it and cause more irritation.
The only clothing you might need to wear is loose-fitting tops, hoodies, or shirts since shingles rashes often occur on your torso. using looser clothes might lessen skin sensitivity even when using bandages.
If you have shingles on your face or neck and need to wear a mask, you might want to bandage the area behind the mask until the blisters are completely healed.
Make an appointment to visit an ophthalmologist right away if your shingles outbreak is affecting the area around your eyes or the tip of your nose. If you can’t find one, see a dermatologist or the emergency room for prompt care.
What to remember
When managing shingles, taking care of your skin is essential. Establish a regular regimen to clean, calm, and bandage any blisters or rashes after consulting with your doctor or another healthcare provider.
Wear loose clothing and keep your distance from anyone who doesn’t have chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccination if you choose to keep a rash exposed.
The most essential thing is to treat yourself well while you’re recovering. The shingles rash hurts and takes a few weeks to heal. Speak with a healthcare practitioner if you have any concerns about the course of therapy or if your symptoms appear to be getting worse.