Easing the Pain of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles or Herpes Zoster is a viral infection that causes a painful, itchy, blistering rash. While the rash can occur anywhere on the body, most often it develops on the torso.

This disease develops among people who have had chickenpox. The chickenpox virus reactivates when the person gets older, emerging as shingles.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests these ways to ease shingles pain:

• Take a cool bath or apply a cool wet cloth or ice pack to the rash.
• Use calamine lotion on the blisters to ease itchiness.
• Use non-stick, sterile, loose bandages to cover the rash.
• Wear all-cotton, loosely-fitting clothing on areas that are particularly painful.