by Cornel J

Comfort Measures for Pain and Itching

Elastic Bandages

Some people find have problems sleeping due to the rash If so, the doctor may advise covering the most painful areas with an elastic bandage. The bandage must be wrapped loosely so blood can still flow.

Cool Packs

Applying a cool pack (wrapped in a towel) to the area may help ease itching and pain. This can be done throughout the day for 5 minutes at a time.

Clothing

Some people have a lot of pain from the light touch of their clothing across their skin rash. Keeping the area uncovered most of the time can help the rash dry. It can also help to wear loose clothing with natural fibers, like cotton.

Skin Care

Oatmeal baths and calamine lotion may be used to soothe the skin. Proper skin care can help prevent infections and scars. This includes keeping the area clean and not scratching the blisters.

Special Considerations

What helps one person may not help another. It can be helpful to try different comfort measures. Always check with the doctor before trying home methods.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you:

  • Get a fever
  • Have more redness and swelling or streaks of red around your skin rash
  • Have a discharge coming from the rash
  • Notice an odor coming from your skin rash
  • Have a rash on your face, which raises the risk of a serious eye infection
  • Have pain that you cannot contol with the measures advised by your doctor

References

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 (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/overview.html. Accessed November 15, 2021.

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 15, 2021.

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