What to Avoid When You Have Shingles?
Shingles, an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, affects the nerve endings in your skin. Once you have contracted chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in your system for years. If reactivated by a weakening of your immune system or bodily stress, the infection will reoccur as a painful and tender area affecting one side of your body. After a few days, a rash will appear and develop fluid-filled blisters. If you suspect you have shingles, see a medical professional as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Warm and Hot Water
Avoid warm or hot water while you have shingles. Warmth can cause further itching and skin irritation. Apply cool compresses to the lesions or take a cool bath twice a day to relieve the burning or tingling sensation. Wash the blisters gently, and avoid touching or scratching the infected area.
- Avoid warm or hot water while you have shingles.
- Apply cool compresses to the lesions or take a cool bath twice a day to relieve the burning or tingling sensation.
Tight Clothing
Can Shingles Be on Both Sides of the Body?
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Do not wear tight clothing over the affected area. This could cause your skin to become more irritated and inflamed. Instead, wear loose-fitting clothing and cover the lesions with a clean cloth or loose-fitting gauze after cleansing your skin.
People
Because varicella zoster viruses are in your blisters' fluid, stay away from other people until the lesions have dried, usually after seven days. This virus is very contagious, and there is a chance that people who have not had chickenpox might contract the disease from you. Those who may be more susceptible include people on steroids or chemotherapy and anyone whose immune system is compromised.
Stress and Strenuous Activities
Recovery Time for Shingles
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Avoid strenuous activities, stress and anxiety as you recover. Stress can weaken your immune system and can reduce its ability to fight infections. Pay attention to your body, and do not overexert yourself. Get plenty of rest through the recuperation process.
- Avoid strenuous activities, stress and anxiety as you recover.
- Stress can weaken your immune system and can reduce its ability to fight infections.
Dietary Choices
Avoid caffeine, tobacco, sugar, salt and refined white flour, which are thought to be harmful to the skin. Also avoid foods with high levels of saturated fats, which can promote inflammation and tenderness. Include in your diet flaxseed oil to promote healing of your skin and nerve tissue, brown rice, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Avoid Shingles
According to Science Daily, the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advises getting a vaccination for shingles, particularly if you are over the age of 60 2. Used as a preventive measure for those who have already had chickenpox, the immunization does not guarantee you will not develop shingles, but it should reduce the course and severity of the disease if it does occur. Also, if you have never been diagnosed with chickenpox, avoid anyone who may have shingles to avoid becoming infected.
- According to Science Daily, the U.S.
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advises getting a vaccination for shingles, particularly if you are over the age of 60 2.
- Used as a preventive measure for those who have already had chickenpox, the immunization does not guarantee you will not develop shingles, but it should reduce the course and severity of the disease if it does occur.
Related Articles
References
- Shingles—Herpes Zoster
- Immunization Experts Recommend "Shingles" Vaccination: ScienceDaily
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Clinical Overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated August 14, 2019. cdc.gov
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Shingles Vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated January 25, 2018. cdc.gov
- John AR, Canaday DH. Herpes Zoster in the Older Adult. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2017;31(4):811-826. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2017.07.016
- Cohen KR, Salbu RL, Frank J, Israel I. Presentation and management of herpes zoster (shingles) in the geriatric population. P T. 2013;38(4):217–227.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Shingles: Hope Through Research. Updated August 13, 2019. ninds.nih.gov
- White PF, Elvir lazo OL, Galeas L, Cao X. Use of electroanalgesia and laser therapies as alternatives to opioids for acute and chronic pain management. F1000Res. 2017;6:2161. doi:10.12688/f1000research.12324.1
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chickenpox Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know. Updated August 7, 2019. cdc.gov
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Shingles: Overview. 2014 Nov 19 [Updated 2019 Nov 21].Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279624/
- Albrecht, M. Shingles (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. Updated June 12, 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Everyone Should Know About Zostavax. Updated January 25, 2018.
Writer Bio
Pat Krueger works full-time in the corporate world, manages a home and family, and recently received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Her freelance writing can be found on eHow.com and Answerbag.com.