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Key Points
- Shingles, a painful rash, can develop in individuals who have previously had chickenpox due to the dormant varicella zoster virus in their body.
- Symptoms of shingles include a painful rash, itching, tingling, burning sensations, fever, headache, and fatigue, with rare cases leading to vision loss or nerve damage.
- The shingles vaccine, recommended for adults over 50, can help prevent the occurrence of shingles or reduce its severity and duration.
- Home remedies for shingles include over-the-counter pain relievers, baking soda or oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, cool compresses, loose clothing, and Vaseline.
- Medical attention is required if the rash is widespread and painful, near an eye, or if there are signs of a skin infection, with medications like Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and Valacyclovir being used for treatment.
If you have ever had the chickenpox virus, you could develop shingles at some point in your life. Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can occur if you’ve ever had chickenpox. This is because the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster) remains dormant in your body, and can resurface. A shingles rash typically appears in small areas of the body and can last for several weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Shingles can also be quite painful. Because of this, you may be uncomfortable and even unable to do some of your normal daily activities. Below you’ll find some of the best home remedies we found, that may help you find relief and recover from your rash quicker.
Not sure if you have shingles? Here are some of the most common symptoms:
Common Symptoms of Shingles
The symptoms of shingles typically include a painful rash that appears on part of one side of the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. The rash may also be accompanied by itching, tingling, or burning sensations. Other common symptoms noted by the Mayo Clinic include fever, headache, and fatigue. In some (rare) cases, shingles can cause complications such as vision loss or nerve damage.
What to Know About the Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent shingles, according to the Mayo Clinic. The CDC recommends the shingles vaccines for adults over the age of 50 (especially those who have had chickenpox in the past). The vaccine works by boosting the immune system's ability to fight the varicella-zoster virus, according to the CDC. This means that it can also reduce the severity and duration of shingles if a person does get infected. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine if the shingles vaccine is right for you.
Home Remedies for Shingles
If you have shingles, there are several things you can do that can help relieve the symptoms.
1. Over-the-Counter Relief for Pain & Fever
You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that you should make sure to follow the recommended dosage on the label and consult with your doctor before taking any medication.
2. Baking Soda or Oatmeal Baths
Taking a baking soda or oatmeal bath can help relieve itching and pain caused by shingles, according to Healthline. They recommend that you add a cup of baking soda or oatmeal to a warm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes.
3. Calamine Lotion
Applying calamine lotion to the affected area can help soothe itching and irritation caused by shingles, according to health.com. They recommend that you use a cotton ball to apply the lotion to the rash.
4. Cool Compress
Applying a cool compress to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by shingles, according to health.com. They recommend that you use a clean, damp cloth or towel and apply it to the rash for 10-15 minutes at a time.
5. Loose Clothing
The American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) recommends wearing loose clothing, which can help prevent irritation and rubbing of the affected area.
6. Vaseline
Applying a thin layer of Vaseline to the affected area can help soothe and protect the skin, according to health.com. They note that you should use a clean cotton ball to apply the Vaseline to the rash.
When to Get Medical Care for Shingles
If you think you may have shingles, it is important to see a medical provider, because there may be some antiviral medications that can help. Additionally, home care may not always be sufficient to manage your symptoms or prevent complications. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you go to urgent care if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- The pain and rash occur near an eye
- You're age 50 or older
- You or someone in your family has a weakened immune system
- The rash is widespread and painful
- Signs of a skin infection, including red patches, open sores or streaks on the skin, or fever
Medications for Shingles
There are several medications that can help treat shingles and prevent complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some common shingles medications include:
- Acyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Valacyclovir
Recap of Key Facts
If you’ve ever had chickenpox, there is a chance you may experience a case of shingles later in life. The shingles vaccine is a great option for older people to help avoid shingles or at least lessen the symptoms and chance of complications. If you do end up with a case of shingles, there are a few things you can do to help ease your symptoms:
- Over-the-counter pain relief and fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Baking soda or oatmeal bath
- Calamine lotion
- Cool compresses
- Vaseline
If you have a painful and widespread shingles rash, signs of infection, or shingles near your eye, you should get medical attention right away.
Frequently asked questions
What causes shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and later resurface as shingles.What are the symptoms of shingles?
Symptoms of shingles include a painful rash, itching, tingling, burning sensations, fever, headache, and fatigue. In rare cases, it can also cause vision loss or nerve damage.Is there a vaccine for shingles?
Yes, there is a shingles vaccine. It is recommended for adults over 50 and can prevent shingles or reduce its severity and duration.What are some home remedies for shingles?
Home remedies for shingles include over-the-counter pain relievers, baking soda or oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, cool compresses, loose clothing, and applying Vaseline.When should I seek medical attention for shingles?
You should seek medical attention if the rash is widespread and painful, near an eye, or if there are signs of a skin infection.What medications are used to treat shingles?
Medications such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir, and Valacyclovir are used to treat shingles and prevent complications.Can shingles lead to any complications?
Yes, in rare cases, shingles can lead to complications like vision loss or nerve damage.Who is at risk of getting shingles?
Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of getting shingles. However, it is more common in adults over 50.
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