Shingles is a virus that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. Shingles are found in most people who had chickenpox because the varicella-zoster virus is dormant in the nerve tissue by your spinal cord and brain. The virus can become active again years after you suffered from chickenpox.
Shingles, while painful, is not fatal. It should be mentioned that if you have not had the chickenpox, you will not get shingles. For this reason, if you have not already gotten the chickenpox, it is best to get vaccinated before you get it. Being vaccinated for chickenpox will save you the trouble of getting shingles later in life.
If you have had the chickenpox, and you have not yet had shingles, you can get a shingles vaccination. While the shingles vaccine, like any vaccine, might come with minor side-effects like itching, redness, or bruising, it is much better than getting shingles.
# Stay CoolWhether you use a cool compress or took a cool bath, it should be nice to cool your body down now and again. The cool can help to ease the pain of the rash and limit the amount of fluid that can build up in blisters.
Using a cold compress can also help to remove scabs to lessen the chances of infections. However, once you begin getting blisters, you should not do that compress for a while as it can dry out your skin which can lead to itching.
# Do Not ScratchThis is also a rule when it comes to chickenpox. Scratching and picking at the sores, while it may feel good for a little bit, can actually lead to scarring and infection. You can get creams over the counter if the shingles are causing too much itch to deal with.
With blisters, they ‘weep’ if they get scratched open or burst on their own. You want to be very careful with these as they are usually contagious and can spread the varicella-zoster virus. This can put anyone who has not had the chickenpox or shingles vaccine at risk for getting one of these ailments.
# Wear Loose ClothingTighter clothing can rub and pull against the blisters and can open the blisters or their scabs. Looser clothing will not bother the blisters as much, nor will increase itching like tighter clothing can.
# Petroleum JellyPetroleum jelly can be used to the soothe the scabs, blisters, and itch that comes along with Shingles. You want to make sure that the area where you are putting the jelly is gently cleaned with soap for sensitive skin and water.
# Cornstarch or Baking SodaThe rash that comes with shingles can be calmed at least a little with a paste of water, baking soda, and cornstarch. To make the paste, you take either cornstarch or baking soda and add water to the one you choose until you have your desired consistency. Once you reach that, you apply it to the rash and keep the paste in place for 10 or 15 minutes before rinsing it off. You can repeat this whenever you need relief from the itching sensation that is common with shingles.
# LotionsLike the creams mentioned in two, there are lotions that can soothe itching. The lotions should not be scented or medicated. After you bathe, use a cold compress, or use the cornstarch/baking soda paste, you should apply the lotion. You do not want to use the lotion too much as that can actually slow the healing of the sores and rash.