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    Shingles

    Shingles



    Home Treatment

    You may reduce the duration and pain of shingles by:

    • Taking good care of skin sores.
      • Avoid picking at and scratching blisters. If left alone, blisters will crust over and fall off naturally.
      • Use cool, moist compresses if they help ease discomfort. Lotions, such as calamine, may be applied after wet compresses.
      • Apply cornstarch or baking soda to help dry the sores so that they heal more quickly.
      • Soak crusted sores with tap water or Reference Burow's solution Opens New Window to help clean away crusts, decrease oozing, and dry and soothe the skin.
      • Ask your doctor about using topical creams to help relieve the Reference inflammation Opens New Window caused by shingles.
      • If your skin becomes infected, ask your doctor about prescription antibiotic creams or ointments.
    • Using medicines as prescribed to treat shingles or Reference postherpetic neuralgia Opens New Window, which is pain that lasts for at least 30 days after the shingles rash heals.
    • Using nonprescription pain medicines, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, to help reduce pain during an attack of shingles or pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. If you are already taking a prescription pain medicine, talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter pain medicine. Some prescription pain medicines have acetaminophen (Tylenol), and getting too much acetaminophen can be harmful.

    If home treatment doesn't help with pain, talk to your doctor. Getting your pain under control right away may prevent nerve damage that may cause pain that lasts for months or years.




    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference June 5, 2012
    Medical Review: Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
    Reference Nancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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