Lifestyle changes can help a person cope with shingles. Some examples are:
- Activities such as reading or working on a hobby—to distract from the pain
- Eating well-balanced meals
- Doing light exercises such as walking or stretching—check with the doctor first
- Getting plenty of rest
- Avoiding stress
- Trying some relaxation methods such as meditation or yoga
The chickenpox virus can spread to others until the rash has crusted. It is important to limit contact with certain people during this time. This includes anyone who has not had the chickenpox virus. It also includes those who might have a weak immune system.
References
About shingles (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html. Accessed November 15, 2021.
Herpes zoster. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/herpes-zoster. Accessed November 15, 2021.
Saguil A, Kane S, et al. Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia: prevention and management. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(10):656-663.
Shingles information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Shingles-Information-Page. Accessed November 15, 2021.
Shingles overview. The American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/shingles-overview. Accessed November 15, 2021.
Tips for coping with shingles. National Institute on Aging website. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/shingles#coping. Accessed November 16, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board David Horn, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 11/16/2021