Shingles - Tips To Help You Deal With This Disease

Shingles is painful. To relieve the pain, here are some suggestions from dermatologists:

1. Use ice packs or wet cloths to cool the rash. 
2. Cover the rash using non-stick sterile bandages. 
3. Apply calamine lotion to the rash or blisters. Herbalife aloe vera soothing gel can also relieve the pain. 
4. Choose to wear loose cotton clothes. 

What causes shingles? 
Shingles is caused by Varicella zoster virus. Yes, it is the same virus that causes chickenpox. But it only occurs when you already have chickenpox in the past. After you had chickenpox, the herpes zoster virus may remain in your nervous systems. When your body makes contact with Varicella zoster virus again, it triggers movement from the nerves to the skin. As a result, you will notice some rash and painful blisters.

To help prevent yourself from catching this virus or avoid the condition from getting worse, here are some tips that may assist you:
1. Get vaccinated. 
If you are over 60 years old, you must get vaccinated. A vaccine for shingles is 50% effective in preventing this disease to emerge. It can also lessen your condition, when you do get the disease.

2. Take antiviral drugs. 
Yes, anti-viral drugs can shorten the length of time you need to deal with the blisters. These drugs are also useful in preventing the disease from getting out of control.

3. Use topical agents. 
They are helpful in dealing with the pain caused by shingles. Steroids and anti-convulsants can be used to treat the lingering pain. You must talk to your doctor about it.

Should you avoid physical contact?

This disease is not contagious. But if someone gets in contact with your rash, it can cause chickenpox to that person, if he/she have not had the said disease yet. Stay away from pregnant women, babies, children and people with weakened immune systems.

When dealing with shingles, it is a must that you attack the virus as early as possible to avoid it getting worse. By following the tips above, you can lessen its severity and you can recover quickly.

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