I've had shingles for last 7 weeks, still breaking out. Can you give some advice?

While most people are familiar with chickenpox, there are very few who know about shingles. Shingles is a condition that is caused due to the reactivation of the chickenpox causing herpes virus known as varicella-zoster virus. Usually, after this virus has caused chickenpox, it lays dormant in the nervous system and flares up due to certain triggers. When this dormant virus gets reactivated, it causes Shingles which also causes breakouts similar to those in chicken pox. Everyone who has had chickenpox in their childhood is at a risk of developing shingles. This is especially true for those who have a weak immune system. No matter how mild your chicken pox was when you had it, the virus can flare up any time and cause shingles. Those who are old or have recently undergone a surgery or are recovering from an illness, are also susceptible to developing shingles. It is important to consult a doctor, but there are home remedies that can give you intermittent relief while you take your medications.

• Breakouts of shingles can be quite painful. To relieve the pain, try placing cold packs over the affected skin. The coolness can cause the pain and inflammation to reduce. Also, if blisters have formed, the cold compress will helps to contain those. Usually this cold pack should be applied for twenty minutes everyday, several times in a day.
• Get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Since your immunity is low, it is best to stay in bed and keep your body hydrated. Start working only once you restore your energy and your immunity is strong once again.
• If there is a lot of inflammation, taking an anti-inflammation medicine will help you. However, do consult a doctor before you that.
• For getting relief from pain and inflammation, there are several topical anti- inflammatory creams that can be used. After consultation with your doctor, choose one that suits you and apply it on the affected skin.
• You may be tempted to pop the blisters, but that won't do you any good. If you pop them open, they may only take more time to heal. In fact they might leave behind scars.
• Another reason why you probably should be in bed is that you may end up spreading the infection. If you know someone whose immunity has been compromised, it is best to stay away from them. It is also a good idea to stay away from elderly people and children who haven't yet had chicken pox.

answered by G M

Shingles Natural Cure

Shingles is known to last anywhere from seven days to four weeks. In some cases, due to decreased immune response and lowered defense levels shingles is known to prolong causing much discomfort to the patient. Moreover if the individual is in the habit of picking on the breakouts then it's likely that the infection would reprise. As much as you would be tempted to get rid of the dried crusts, refrain from doing so as it can only cause permanent scarring and further spread of the scabs. Dry yourself from the oozing blisters without using your bare hands or fingernails. Use sterilized cotton gauzes to absorb the fluids form the sores. Apply a good amount of calamine lotion on the blisters, as the lotion dries out it will absorb the moisture from the sores. By using lacto calamine it is reported that blisters heal faster. During the day you can apply aloe vera gel on the blisters to heal the wound superficially and to provide temporary relief from the itching.

Under the current circumstances, it is not advisable that you neglect the condition without visiting your doctor. Shingles usually goes away after four weeks, but in your case since the rashes are still erupting, medical attention can shorten the duration of the outbreak.

answered by K C