A skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus is called shingles.The same virus causes chickenpox.VZV stays in the body after a person has had the disease.The virus usually doesn't cause any problems.The virus can cause blisters called shingles.Treatments for shingles are described in the following article.
Step 1: Know the symptoms of shingles.
The chickenpox virus can cause a rash and blisters after a person gets it.The most common symptoms of shingles are headaches, flu-like symptoms, and a rash on one side of the body.
Step 2: There are three stages associated with shingles.
Knowing the symptoms of each stage can help you determine how to best treat your case.In the area where the rash will eventually develop, there will be itching, numbness, and pain.Swelling, stomach ache, and chills accompany this irritation.It's possible that your lysy is swollen or tender.A rash will develop on one side of your body, with blisters forming eventually.The blisters have clear liquid but eventually it gets cloudy.If there is a rash around the eyes, see a doctor.The blisters can be accompanied by stinging pain.After the rash and blisters, there may be pain in the area.It may last for weeks or even years, and is called postherpetic neuralgia.Extreme sensitivity, chronic pain, and burning sensations are associated withPHN.
Step 3: Do you know if you have a higher risk of getting shingles?
If you get steroids after an organ transplant, you are more likely to get shingles.You are at a higher risk if you suffer from the following conditions.
Step 4: It's a good idea to see your doctor early.
The sooner your doctor diagnoses shingles, the better.Self-diagnosis is not recommended.Patients who start a course of drug treatment within three days of their symptoms are more likely to see better results than patients who wait longer.
Step 5: Discuss the treatment of the rash with your doctor.
Treatments for shingles are not very elaborate.The patient's pain is managed while the symptoms of the rash are treated.In order to dull the pain of the rash and make it last longer, your doctor may ask you to try an over-the-counter medicine.
Step 6: Allow your doctor to make another diagnosis if you experience chronic pain after your shingles rash has passed.
Postherpetic neuralgia may be diagnosed by your doctor.In order to treat this chronic condition that 15 out of every 100 shingles patients experiences, you doctor may give you: Antidepressants.benzocaine and lidocaine patches are available by prescription only.Some studies show that anticonvulsants can help with chronic nerve pain.It is possible to reduce chronic pain with the use of opiate drugs.
Step 7: It's easier to manage shingles if you prepare a couple home treatments.
You can combine doctor's orders with a number of things you can do at home.Don't itch the blisters or the rash too much.The blisters and rash should be allowed to breathe.Wrap the rash in a sports bandage if you can't sleep because of the pain.Icing the shingles takes 10 minutes and breaks for 5 minutes.Apply a moist compress to the rash after dissolving some aluminum acetate in water.Calamine lotion can be applied.
Step 8: You should watch for a possible worsening of your condition.
There are long-term problems with shingles.If you are dealing with shingles, you should look out for the following scenarios: A spreading out of the rash over large parts of your body.Disseminated zoster can affect internal organs as well as joints.Antibiotics and antiviral medicines are used in the treatment of disseminated zoster.The rash has spread to the face.If left unaddressed, this condition could threaten the eyesight.If you see shingles on your face, you should see your doctor.
Step 9: The shingles vaccine is available.
If you have already been exposed to chickenpox and are concerned about getting shingles, you should consider getting the shingles vaccine.Zostavax is a vaccine that can be given to adults 50 and older if they have had shingles before.People who have never had shingles should not get the vaccine.
Step 10: It is a good idea to avoid contact with people who are sick.
People who have never had shingles before should avoid contact with people with an outbreak.Exposure to fluid from shingles blisters can cause chickenpox and shingles episodes later in life.People older than 50 are more likely to have shingles.Older people should be especially cautious about shingles.
Step 11: Take a bath.
The water's coolness will help relieve the pain of shingles.Make sure it's not too cold.Extreme temperatures will cause your skin to react in ways that cause even more pain.Dry yourself off completely with a warm towel when you're done soaking.You could also take an oatmeal bath.You will get a silkening feeling in the water that is not cold or hot.For ideas, read How to Make an Oatmeal Bath.It's a good idea to wash your towels in the hottest setting on your washing machine.You don't want to spread anything.
Step 12: You can use a wet compress.
Anything wet or cool will feel great on your skin.You can apply it to your skin by soaking it in cool water and wring it out.Continue the process for several minutes.Don't use ice packs.If you think your skin is sensitive, those are too cold for it.When you have shingles, wash your towels after you use them.
Step 13: calamine lotion can be used.
The situation could get worse if normal lotion is used.Don't forget to wash your hands after using calamine, it's extra soothing.Only apply it to the affected area.
Step 14: It's a good idea to rely on capsaicin.
It's the stuff found in hot red peppers.You might find relief if you use a cream that contains peppers.Most of the time they're available at the pharmacy.It doesn't make the shingles go away, but it will make you feel better.Your case will clear up in about 3 weeks.
Step 15: Baking soda can be used on the sores.
Just on the skin.It will speed up the healing process.You can make a paste out of baking soda and water.Leave the paste on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with a towel.When you're done, wash the towel.It's possible to do this a few times a day.Don't do it too often.You could make the problem worse by drying out your skin.