Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which lies dormant n anyone who has had chickenpox. It begins with pain or tingling in an area of skin on one side of your body or face, followed by a rash of small, fluid-filled blisters. You may also have a headache and fever. The blisters scab over and heal within a few weeks, but the area may be painful for months afterwards. Shingles is more common in later life, Stress, ill health, or sunlight can trigger an attack, but you can’t catch shingles from contact with chickenpox.
See your doctor first
Arrange to see your doctor to confirm that you have shingles. See your doctor urgently if shingles has developed close to an eye.
DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers will relieve fever as well as pain. Use paracetamol, aspirin , or ibuprofen, If you need stronger pain relief, take paracetamol and codeine. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Sodium bicarbonate can also help to reduce itching. Add 4 tablespoons (about one cup) to a bath two-thirds full.
Oatmeal products are soothing for itchy, blistered skin, Either add oatmeal oil to your bath or use the lotion instead of soap.
PREVENTION
Preventing attacks If you are susceptible to shingles, try the following measures :
* If shingles tends to develop when you are under stress, try using deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques to help you relax.
* Be careful to protect your skin from strong sunlight.
What you can do yourself
Use these home treatments to make yourself feel better while you get over an attack of shingles.
* Rest as much as you can to speed your recovery.
* While you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids.
* Take a painkiller to relieve pain, headache, and fever. A cold compress (a cloth soaked in ice-cold water) may help relieve pain and tingling in your skin.
* If you have blisters on your body, take lukewarm baths 2-3 times a day. Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or use an oatmeal product (see NATURAL REMEDIES) to soothe your skin. Wash any blisters on your face gently with soap and water.
* Until all the blisters have dried up, avoid contact with anyone who has not had chickenpox, because they could catch the virus from you.
Seek further medical advice
* Your blisters become pus-filled and spread
* You develop severe headaches or vomiting
* Painkillers do not control the pain, or pain persists after the blisters have cleared
See your doctor first
Arrange to see your doctor to confirm that you have shingles. See your doctor urgently if shingles has developed close to an eye.
DRUG REMEDIES
Painkillers will relieve fever as well as pain. Use paracetamol, aspirin , or ibuprofen, If you need stronger pain relief, take paracetamol and codeine. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Sodium bicarbonate can also help to reduce itching. Add 4 tablespoons (about one cup) to a bath two-thirds full.
Oatmeal products are soothing for itchy, blistered skin, Either add oatmeal oil to your bath or use the lotion instead of soap.
PREVENTION
Preventing attacks If you are susceptible to shingles, try the following measures :
* If shingles tends to develop when you are under stress, try using deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques to help you relax.
* Be careful to protect your skin from strong sunlight.
What you can do yourself
Use these home treatments to make yourself feel better while you get over an attack of shingles.
* Rest as much as you can to speed your recovery.
* While you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids.
* Take a painkiller to relieve pain, headache, and fever. A cold compress (a cloth soaked in ice-cold water) may help relieve pain and tingling in your skin.
* If you have blisters on your body, take lukewarm baths 2-3 times a day. Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or use an oatmeal product (see NATURAL REMEDIES) to soothe your skin. Wash any blisters on your face gently with soap and water.
* Until all the blisters have dried up, avoid contact with anyone who has not had chickenpox, because they could catch the virus from you.
Seek further medical advice
* Your blisters become pus-filled and spread
* You develop severe headaches or vomiting
* Painkillers do not control the pain, or pain persists after the blisters have cleared
