How to Treat Shingles



Shingles is a painful and uncomfortable skin condition caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It typically presents as a rash with raised bumps and blisters that can be very itchy and cause burning sensations. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help reduce the symptoms of shingles.

1. Keep the Rash Clean: Keeping your shingles rash clean is an important step in treating it effectively. Gently wash your affected area with lukewarm water and mild soap twice daily to reduce inflammation and prevent infection from developing in open sores. Pat dry with a soft towel afterwards, but do not rub or scrub the area.

2. Use Medicated Creams: Applying medicated creams containing ingredients such as lidocaine or capsaicin can provide relief from itching and burning sensations associated with shingles rashes. These creams should be applied directly to the affected area 2-3 times per day for best results.

3. Take Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain associated with shingles rashes while they heal up over time. Be sure to follow all directions on packaging carefully when taking these medications for best results, and consult your doctor if you experience any adverse side effects while taking them.

4. Apply Cool Compresses: Applying cool compresses to your affected areas several times per day can help soothe itching and burning sensations associated with shingles rashes while also reducing inflammation in the area surrounding them as well as aiding in healing time overall of any open sores present on the skin’s surface due to infection or scratching at them too much (which should be avoided).

5 . Get Vaccinated: The most effective way of preventing shingles is by getting vaccinated against it before you ever develop any symptoms at all! The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone over 50 years old get vaccinated against both chickenpox (VZV) and herpes zoster (shingles) viruses; vaccines are available through most health care providers today so ask yours about getting one today if you haven’t already!

Tags:

Shingles, Varicella Zoster Virus, Chickenpox, Rash, Bumps, Blisters, Itchy, Burning Sensations, Cleaning Rash, Medicated Creams, Lidocaine/Capsaicin Creams, Pain Relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), Cool Compresses, Vaccination,

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