What is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. You can only get shingles if you have previously had chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in your nerve cells. It can reactivate years later, causing shingles.
The pain of shingles can be intense and often comes in waves. The most common symptom is a painful rash that develops on one side of your body, usually starting as tiny red bumps before turning into blisters which sometimes break open or form new scabs over time.
If you are experiencing a rash, it is essential to take care of it immediately. This article will discuss the best ways to take care of a shingles rash and get rid of Shingles fast!
Where else does Shingles most commonly show up?
The most common place for Shingles to show up is on your torso, but they can also appear on your face, eyes, neck, or arms.
Common Symptoms of Shingles
- A painful rash that is usually limited to one side of your body
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Itching
- Sensitivity to touch
If you have one more of these symptoms but are unsure whether you have gotten the virus, seek medical advice immediately.
What is the most effective way to get rid of Shingles?
Although there is no definitive cure for Shingles, there are ways to take care of the rash and lessen the symptoms. Here are four practical steps you should take to tackle your Shingles infection and limit your symptoms:
Step 1: The first step is to keep the area clean and dry. This will reduce the risk of the rash becoming infected with bacteria.
Step 2: Use a cool compress on these pesky blisters to help soothe them and reduce inflammation. Apply a wet washcloth on them for about 20 minutes at a time.
Step 3: Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. This will help your body fight off the virus. It is essential to stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing a fever.
Step 4: Apply ointments or creams to the infected area. There are many available over-the-counter and can be purchased at most pharmacies.
Step 5: Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help relieve any pain or inflammation you are experiencing. Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen is recommended.
DO NOT do the following:
- Do not scratch the rash, as this could cause it to become infected.
- Do not use harsh soaps or products with chemicals on the rash.
- Do not expose yourself to UV rays. Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation such as sunshine can damage more tissue.
- Do not share your towels, clothing, or other items with others.
Shingles usually goes away within a few weeks, but if you are experiencing severe symptoms or the rash does not go away after a few weeks, it is best to consult with your doctor.
Additional Things To Note
- If you have a Shingles rash, it is essential to avoid contact with people who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine. This is because you can spread the virus to them and cause them to develop chickenpox.
- If you are pregnant and develop Shingles, it is important to consult with your doctor as soon as possible, as Shingles can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
- If you develop Shingles on your face, it is important to consult with your doctor immediately, as there is a risk of the virus spreading to your eyes, which could cause vision problems.
Hopefully, this article has helped educate you on how to take care of a Shingles rash and get rid of it fast! If you have any further questions, please consult with your doctor.