What are the most effective treatments for shingles. How can you alleviate shingles pain at home. Which medications are commonly prescribed for shingles. What preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing shingles. How does the shingles vaccine work and who should get it.

Understanding Shingles: Causes and Symptoms

Shingles, a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, affects approximately 1 million people in the United States annually. This condition occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus reactivates in the body, often decades after the initial infection. The primary symptom is a painful rash that typically appears on one side of the body or face.

Why does the varicella-zoster virus reactivate? The exact trigger is not always clear, but factors such as stress, a weakened immune system, and advanced age can increase the risk. When the virus becomes active, it travels along nerve pathways, causing inflammation and pain before manifesting as a distinctive rash.

• Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox
• The virus can lie dormant for years before reactivating
• A painful, localized rash is the hallmark symptom of shingles
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the condition

Antiviral Medications: The First Line of Defense

Antiviral medications play a crucial role in managing shingles infections. These drugs work by slowing down the replication of the virus, which can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. For optimal effectiveness, antiviral treatment should be initiated within 72 hours of symptom onset.

Which antiviral medications are commonly prescribed for shingles? The most frequently used options include:

• Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

How do these medications benefit shingles patients? Antiviral drugs can:

1. Accelerate healing of the rash
2. Reduce the intensity and duration of pain
3. Lower the risk of complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia

While antiviral medications are generally well-tolerated, it’s essential to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider. Common side effects may include nausea, headache, and dizziness, but these are typically mild and transient.

Pain Management Strategies for Shingles

Pain is often the most distressing aspect of shingles for many patients. Effective pain management is crucial not only for immediate relief but also for preventing long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia. A multi-faceted approach to pain control often yields the best results.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

For mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide significant relief. Common options include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

These medications not only help alleviate pain but can also reduce inflammation associated with the shingles rash. It’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Prescription Pain Medications

In cases of severe pain or when OTC medications prove insufficient, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers. These might include:

• Opioid medications (for short-term use in severe cases)
• Gabapentin or pregabalin (for nerve pain)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (which can help with both pain and depression)

How do tricyclic antidepressants help with shingles pain? These medications, such as amitriptyline, desipramine, and nortriptyline, can modulate pain signals in the nervous system, providing relief even after the rash has healed. They may be particularly beneficial for patients at risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.

Topical Treatments for Shingles Symptoms

Topical treatments can provide localized relief for the itching, burning, and pain associated with shingles. These treatments are applied directly to the affected skin and can be used in conjunction with oral medications for comprehensive symptom management.

Prescription Topical Treatments

Your healthcare provider may prescribe topical medications to address specific symptoms:

• Capsaicin cream: Derived from chili peppers, this cream can help reduce pain by desensitizing nerve endings.
• Lidocaine patches or creams: These provide numbing relief and can be particularly helpful for allodynia (pain caused by normally non-painful stimuli).

When using capsaicin cream, it’s crucial to avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Apply the cream with gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward to prevent accidental transfer to sensitive areas.

Over-the-Counter Topical Treatments

Several OTC options can provide relief from itching and discomfort:

• Calamine lotion: Soothes itching and helps dry out blisters
• Menthol-based creams: Provide a cooling sensation that can temporarily relieve pain
• Colloidal oatmeal baths: Help reduce itching and inflammation

How often should topical treatments be applied? Follow the instructions provided with the product or as directed by your healthcare provider. Typically, most topical treatments can be applied 3-4 times daily or as needed for symptom relief.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Shingles

While conventional medical treatments form the cornerstone of shingles management, some patients find relief through alternative and complementary therapies. It’s important to note that while some of these approaches show promise, more research is needed to fully establish their efficacy.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce pain and promote healing in shingles patients. Other TCM practices that may offer relief include:

• Moxibustion: A heat therapy that involves burning dried mugwort near the skin
• Cupping: A technique that uses suction cups to improve blood flow and reduce pain

How does acupuncture potentially help with shingles? The theory is that it may help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and modulate pain signals. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects definitively.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS therapy uses low-voltage electrical currents to provide pain relief. A small, portable device delivers these currents through electrodes placed on the skin near the affected area. Some patients report significant pain reduction with TENS therapy, particularly for ongoing nerve pain following the acute phase of shingles.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements

Various herbs and supplements have been suggested to support the immune system and potentially alleviate shingles symptoms. These include:

• Vitamin C and E: May support immune function and skin healing
• Zinc: Could help boost immune response
• Licorice root: Has antiviral properties that may help combat the varicella-zoster virus
• Echinacea: Might enhance immune system function

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal remedies or supplements, as they can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Self-Care Strategies for Managing Shingles at Home

While medical treatments are essential for managing shingles, self-care practices can significantly contribute to comfort and healing. Implementing these strategies can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

Keeping the Affected Area Clean and Dry

Proper wound care is crucial to prevent secondary bacterial infections and promote healing of the shingles rash. Follow these guidelines:

• Gently clean the rash daily with mild soap and water
• Pat the area dry with a soft towel; avoid rubbing
• Allow the rash to be exposed to air when possible to promote drying of blisters
• Avoid applying bandages unless advised by your healthcare provider

Managing Itching and Discomfort

The itching associated with shingles can be intense, but it’s important to resist the urge to scratch to prevent skin damage and potential infection. Try these methods to alleviate itching:

• Apply cool, wet compresses to the rash for 20 minutes several times a day
• Take cool baths with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to minimize irritation
• Use calamine lotion or other soothing topical treatments recommended by your doctor

Dietary Considerations

While there’s no specific “shingles diet,” maintaining good nutrition can support your immune system and overall health during recovery. Consider the following dietary tips:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Consider foods high in lysine (such as fish, chicken, and eggs) and low in arginine (like nuts and chocolate), as some studies suggest this may help combat the virus
• Avoid foods that seem to trigger or worsen symptoms

How can diet potentially impact shingles recovery? While more research is needed, a nutrient-rich diet can support overall immune function, potentially helping your body fight the virus more effectively and promoting faster healing.

Preventing Shingles: Vaccination and Risk Reduction

Prevention is a crucial aspect of managing shingles, especially given the potential for severe complications. The most effective preventive measure is vaccination, but there are also lifestyle factors that can help reduce the risk of developing shingles.

Shingles Vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the shingles vaccine for adults 50 years and older. Currently, the preferred vaccine is Shingrix, which is given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart.

How effective is the Shingrix vaccine? Clinical trials have shown that Shingrix is more than 90% effective in preventing shingles in people 50 and older. It also significantly reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia in those who do develop shingles despite vaccination.

Who Should Not Get the Shingles Vaccine?

While the shingles vaccine is safe and effective for most adults, certain individuals should not receive it:

• Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine
• Pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant
• People with a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments
• Individuals currently experiencing an active shingles outbreak

It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if the shingles vaccine is appropriate for you.

Lifestyle Factors for Shingles Prevention

While vaccination is the most effective preventive measure, certain lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk of shingles reactivation:

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counseling
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients
• Get adequate sleep to support immune function
• Exercise regularly to promote overall health and reduce stress
• Avoid known triggers, such as excessive sun exposure or certain medications that may weaken the immune system

Can lifestyle changes completely prevent shingles? While these measures can support overall health and potentially reduce the risk, they cannot guarantee prevention. Vaccination remains the most reliable method for reducing the likelihood of developing shingles.

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications of Shingles

Understanding the potential long-term effects and complications of shingles is crucial for patients and caregivers. While many people recover from shingles without significant issues, some may experience lingering symptoms or develop complications.

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of shingles, characterized by persistent pain in the affected area even after the rash has healed. PHN can last for months or even years, significantly impacting quality of life.

Who is at risk for developing PHN? Factors that increase the likelihood of PHN include:

• Advanced age (over 50 years old)
• Severe pain during the acute phase of shingles
• Extensive rash or rash located on the face or torso
• Underlying medical conditions that affect the immune system

Management of PHN often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including medications, topical treatments, and sometimes interventional pain management techniques.

Other Potential Complications

While less common, other complications can occur depending on the location and severity of the shingles outbreak:

• Vision problems or blindness if shingles affects the eye (ophthalmic shingles)
• Hearing loss or balance issues if the infection involves the ear (Ramsay Hunt syndrome)
• Skin infections if blisters become infected with bacteria
• Rarely, pneumonia, brain inflammation, or other systemic complications

How can these complications be prevented? Early treatment with antiviral medications can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications. Additionally, proper wound care and following medical advice can help prevent secondary infections and other issues.

Long-Term Emotional Impact

The experience of shingles can have lasting emotional effects on some individuals. These may include:

• Anxiety about potential recurrence
• Depression, especially in cases of chronic pain
• Social isolation due to pain or visible rash
• Sleep disturbances related to ongoing discomfort

It’s important for healthcare providers to address both the physical and emotional aspects of shingles recovery. Psychological support, through counseling or support groups, can be beneficial for those struggling with the long-term impacts of the condition.

In conclusion, while shingles can be a challenging and painful condition, a comprehensive approach to treatment and management can significantly improve outcomes. From antiviral medications and pain management strategies to vaccination and lifestyle modifications, there are numerous tools available to combat shingles and its potential complications. By working closely with healthcare providers and staying informed about the latest treatment options, individuals can effectively manage shingles and minimize its impact on their lives.

Shingles Treatment, Medication, and Prevention: Pain Relief, Antiviral

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Antiviral Medications for Shingles
• Painkillers for Shingles
• Other Medications for Shingles
• Alternative Treatments for Shingles?
• Self-Care for Shingles
• Can I Prevent Shingles?
• Who Shouldn’t Get the Shingles Vaccine?
• More

The virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. It’s called varicella zoster. It can lie quietly in your nerves for decades after causing chickenpox but suddenly wake up and become active.

The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash that comes up on one side of your body or face. See your doctor as soon as you can if you think you might have this condition.

1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year, according to the CDC. There is a shingles vaccine for prevention.

Your doctor may want to put you on medications to control your infection and speed up healing, cut inflammation, and ease your pain. They include:

These medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash, especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms.

They can also lower your chance of having complications. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects to watch for if you take one of these drugs.

Shingles causes inflammation and pain. Your doctor can suggest over-the-counter medicines to relieve milder discomfort. They include:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

These may also help you stave off postherpetic neuralgia, which is a burning pain that some people get after the rash and blisters of shingles go away.

If you have severe pain after the rash clears or an infection during your shingles outbreak, your doctor might prescribe:

Capsaicin cream: Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

A numbing medicine: You might get lidocaine (Lidoderm, Xylocaine) for pain. It can come in a variety of forms, such as creams, lotions, patches, powders, and sprays, among others.

Antibiotics: You might need these medicines if bacteria infect your skin and rash. But if bacteria aren’t involved, then antibiotics won’t help.

Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications might help ease the pain that lingers after your skin has healed, such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). They may also help you with depression, if you have that in addition to shingles. Your doctor can tell you what the risks and benefits are.

Some studies show that various alternative treatments, from acupuncture to supplements, can offer relief. The research isn’t complete, but some show promise. Check with your doctor before you try any of these: 

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). This therapy uses tiny electrical pulses to relieve pain. A TENS unit is about the size of a smartphone and comes with small patches called electrodes. You put them over the painful area and turn the unit on and off as your pain comes and goes. 

Traditional Chinese medicine. These treatments aim to restore balance in your body. They include acupuncture, the ancient practice of inserting very thin needles into your skin at specific points. Also, moxibustion and cupping, two types of heat therapy, are supposed to draw out toxins. These treatments may be done in combination.

Creams and other skin treatments. A mixture of liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine, an antiviral drug, may reduce swelling and the number of blisters you have when you put it on your rash. And chlorophyll, the chemical that gives plants their green color, is also used directly on the rash as a cream or saline solution. 

Supplements. You’ll find a long list of herbs, pills, and oils that claim to relieve shingles. Most have no research to back them up, but there are a couple of exceptions. Papain, a protein found in papayas, is sold in capsules. And manuka and clover honeys can be put directly on your skin. Very early studies on both show they might be helpful. 

There aren’t home remedies for shingles. But there are things you can do to help your skin heal.

Keep the affected area clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.

The itching can be maddening at times, but try not to scratch or burst the blisters.

Soothe the rash. Your top priority is to find relief for the pain and itching that the rash causes. You might try:

1. Oatmeal baths. Dip into a cool tub of water. For extra relief, add colloidal oatmeal, which is made of oats that have been ground to a very fine powder. This soothing bath may help calm your itching.

2. Cold compresses. Run a washcloth under cool water and place it on your blisters for about 20 minutes at a time. Not only can this relieve itching, it also keeps your blisters clean. That can help you avoid a skin infection. If your blisters aren’t oozing anymore, stop using cold compresses. And if you are using any creams or patches on your rash, don’t use compresses at the same time.

3. Loose clothing. You’ll likely find that relaxed fits made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, give you more comfort. If you need to cover your blisters, avoid bandages that might stick to your rash.

4. Calamine lotion. Treat your skin with this smooth, cool, and soothing balm. 

Treat your body and mind. You can get worn down mentally when you’re in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but don’t stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well. 

Stick with good habits: Your body is working hard to fight the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. To give it the right support, you can:

• Eat nutritious food and have regular meals. Ask someone to make a run to the grocery store for fresh fruit and such if you’re not up for it.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep and rest anytime you need to.
• Do gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching. Light activity can help take your mind off the pain. Keep it simple though, and check with your doctor if you’re trying something new.

Distract yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try:

• Call a friend.
• Listen to music that relaxes you.
• Read a book.
• Watch a favorite movie.
• Work on hobbies you enjoy.

Keep calm. Relaxation can be a big help. With a calmer mind, you can better handle your discomfort. You may want to try:

• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Walking (but keep your blisters covered)
• Yoga

Experiment with these strategies as you get through your shingles outbreak. Different things can help depending on how severe your symptoms are and how you feel from day to day.

There are two shingles vaccines. Shingrix is the recommended vaccine. Zostavax is no longer avilable in the U.S.

Who should get it: The CDC recommends that you get this vaccine if you’re a healthy adult age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox, because most people have been exposed to the virus. If you have had the Zostavax vaccine, you can also get Shingrix.

How many shots do you need? You would need two shots for Shingrix: One at first, with a follow-up in 2 to 6 months.

What it does: Shingrix reduces your chance of getting shingles by more than 90%. Even if you still get shingles, the vaccine may help it be less painful.

I never had chickenpox. Do I still need the shingles vaccine? Yes, you do. Shingrix is recommended for everyone age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox.

If I’ve had shingles, can I still get the vaccine? Yes. It may help prevent another bout of shingles later on. If you have shingles right now, you should wait until the rash is gone before you get vaccinated.

What are the side effects? The most common side effects with Shingrix include pain and swelling where the needle went in you skin, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, chills, fever, and stomach troubles. With any vaccine, there is a chance of a severe allergic reaction. 

Don’t get the Shingrix vaccine if:

• You’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You’re pregnant or nursing.
• You have tested negative for immunity to the chickenpox virus. Ask your doctor about the chickenpox vaccine instead.
• You have shingles now.

Top Picks

Shingles Treatment, Medication, and Prevention: Pain Relief, Antiviral

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Antiviral Medications for Shingles
• Painkillers for Shingles
• Other Medications for Shingles
• Alternative Treatments for Shingles?
• Self-Care for Shingles
• Can I Prevent Shingles?
• Who Shouldn’t Get the Shingles Vaccine?
• More

The virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. It’s called varicella zoster. It can lie quietly in your nerves for decades after causing chickenpox but suddenly wake up and become active.

The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash that comes up on one side of your body or face. See your doctor as soon as you can if you think you might have this condition.

1 million people in the U.S. get shingles each year, according to the CDC. There is a shingles vaccine for prevention.

Your doctor may want to put you on medications to control your infection and speed up healing, cut inflammation, and ease your pain. They include:

These medicines may slow down the progress of the shingles rash, especially if you take them within the first 72 hours of having symptoms.

They can also lower your chance of having complications. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects to watch for if you take one of these drugs.

Shingles causes inflammation and pain. Your doctor can suggest over-the-counter medicines to relieve milder discomfort. They include:

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

These may also help you stave off postherpetic neuralgia, which is a burning pain that some people get after the rash and blisters of shingles go away.

If you have severe pain after the rash clears or an infection during your shingles outbreak, your doctor might prescribe:

Capsaicin cream: Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

A numbing medicine: You might get lidocaine (Lidoderm, Xylocaine) for pain. It can come in a variety of forms, such as creams, lotions, patches, powders, and sprays, among others.

Antibiotics: You might need these medicines if bacteria infect your skin and rash. But if bacteria aren’t involved, then antibiotics won’t help.

Tricyclic antidepressants: These medications might help ease the pain that lingers after your skin has healed, such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). They may also help you with depression, if you have that in addition to shingles. Your doctor can tell you what the risks and benefits are.

Some studies show that various alternative treatments, from acupuncture to supplements, can offer relief. The research isn’t complete, but some show promise. Check with your doctor before you try any of these: 

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). This therapy uses tiny electrical pulses to relieve pain. A TENS unit is about the size of a smartphone and comes with small patches called electrodes. You put them over the painful area and turn the unit on and off as your pain comes and goes. 

Traditional Chinese medicine. These treatments aim to restore balance in your body. They include acupuncture, the ancient practice of inserting very thin needles into your skin at specific points. Also, moxibustion and cupping, two types of heat therapy, are supposed to draw out toxins. These treatments may be done in combination.

Creams and other skin treatments. A mixture of liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and idoxuridine, an antiviral drug, may reduce swelling and the number of blisters you have when you put it on your rash. And chlorophyll, the chemical that gives plants their green color, is also used directly on the rash as a cream or saline solution. 

Supplements. You’ll find a long list of herbs, pills, and oils that claim to relieve shingles. Most have no research to back them up, but there are a couple of exceptions. Papain, a protein found in papayas, is sold in capsules. And manuka and clover honeys can be put directly on your skin. Very early studies on both show they might be helpful. 

There aren’t home remedies for shingles. But there are things you can do to help your skin heal.

Keep the affected area clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.

The itching can be maddening at times, but try not to scratch or burst the blisters.

Soothe the rash. Your top priority is to find relief for the pain and itching that the rash causes. You might try:

1. Oatmeal baths. Dip into a cool tub of water. For extra relief, add colloidal oatmeal, which is made of oats that have been ground to a very fine powder. This soothing bath may help calm your itching.

2. Cold compresses. Run a washcloth under cool water and place it on your blisters for about 20 minutes at a time. Not only can this relieve itching, it also keeps your blisters clean. That can help you avoid a skin infection. If your blisters aren’t oozing anymore, stop using cold compresses. And if you are using any creams or patches on your rash, don’t use compresses at the same time.

3. Loose clothing. You’ll likely find that relaxed fits made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, give you more comfort. If you need to cover your blisters, avoid bandages that might stick to your rash.

4. Calamine lotion. Treat your skin with this smooth, cool, and soothing balm.  

Treat your body and mind. You can get worn down mentally when you’re in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but don’t stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well. 

Stick with good habits: Your body is working hard to fight the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. To give it the right support, you can:

• Eat nutritious food and have regular meals. Ask someone to make a run to the grocery store for fresh fruit and such if you’re not up for it.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep and rest anytime you need to.
• Do gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching. Light activity can help take your mind off the pain. Keep it simple though, and check with your doctor if you’re trying something new.

Distract yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try:

• Call a friend.
• Listen to music that relaxes you.
• Read a book.
• Watch a favorite movie.
• Work on hobbies you enjoy.

Keep calm. Relaxation can be a big help. With a calmer mind, you can better handle your discomfort. You may want to try:

• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Walking (but keep your blisters covered)
• Yoga

Experiment with these strategies as you get through your shingles outbreak. Different things can help depending on how severe your symptoms are and how you feel from day to day.

There are two shingles vaccines. Shingrix is the recommended vaccine. Zostavax is no longer avilable in the U.S.

Who should get it: The CDC recommends that you get this vaccine if you’re a healthy adult age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox, because most people have been exposed to the virus. If you have had the Zostavax vaccine, you can also get Shingrix.

How many shots do you need? You would need two shots for Shingrix: One at first, with a follow-up in 2 to 6 months.

What it does: Shingrix reduces your chance of getting shingles by more than 90%. Even if you still get shingles, the vaccine may help it be less painful.

I never had chickenpox. Do I still need the shingles vaccine? Yes, you do. Shingrix is recommended for everyone age 50 or older, whether or not you remember having had chickenpox.

If I’ve had shingles, can I still get the vaccine? Yes. It may help prevent another bout of shingles later on. If you have shingles right now, you should wait until the rash is gone before you get vaccinated.

What are the side effects? The most common side effects with Shingrix include pain and swelling where the needle went in you skin, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, chills, fever, and stomach troubles. With any vaccine, there is a chance of a severe allergic reaction. 

Don’t get the Shingrix vaccine if:

• You’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
• You’re pregnant or nursing.
• You have tested negative for immunity to the chickenpox virus. Ask your doctor about the chickenpox vaccine instead.
• You have shingles now.

Top Picks

10 facts about lichen – Doctor TV channel

October 3, 2019 | 16:24

Beware! One lichen cat can cause a quarantine of 45 days

Of all the types of lichen, ringworm is the most noticeable, unpleasant and common among children. We have collected facts about him that all parents should know.

1. Ringworm is an inconspicuous beginning

Ringworm begins as a small, inconspicuous spot on the skin or head. It is easily confused with a mosquito or other insect bite. Gradually, the spot begins to grow and peel off, causing itching and a desire to scratch. If you do not pay attention to this stain, then others may soon appear, and if you wash in the bathroom with a sponge, then the whole body may become stained. Lichen on the skin has rounded and oval outlines, usually they are clearly defined, scaly scales are visible inside. On the scalp, lichen begins with a small focus 5-6 mm in size: the hair seems to be broken off.

If an animal becomes ill, you may not suspect that you are petting an infected cat, because the incubation period for this disease is very long and the animal may look quite healthy, and after a week it will begin to shed and go bald. To make a diagnosis, the doctor examines the lichen spots using a special Wood’s lamp: under its ultraviolet rays, the lichen glows emerald green. Also, a scraping of scales from the skin is taken from the patient – on the eve of this analysis, the stain cannot be treated with anything.

2. Ringworm is quarantine

Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal disease that affects the skin, nails and hair. Most often, they get sick with children who have touched a lichen cat or dog. But also ringworm can be transmitted through direct contact with the patient, when using shared hats, clothes, towels, toys and other items. Ideally, the patient should be isolated for the entire duration of treatment, and the entire apartment should be disinfected, and more than once. The incubation period is five to seven days if the infection came from an animal, and four to six weeks if the source was a human. Depending on the pathogen, there are two types of ringworm: trichophytosis and microsporia.

3. Ringworm lasts a long time

Ringworm is so contagious that the sick child is not allowed to attend school or kindergarten during the entire treatment, which can last from three weeks to several months. In difficult cases, when lichen affects the hair and is difficult to treat, the child is placed in the hospital for the entire course of treatment. They are discharged only when the person has gone through all the external signs of lichen and all three scrapings, which are taken weekly, showed a negative result. What should a parent do all this time? You can take a certificate for caring for a sick child, but this certificate of incapacity for work is issued only for 14 days. Then you will have to negotiate with your employer. You may have to take unpaid leave.

If an adult becomes ill with deprivation, a temporary disability certificate for an infectious form is issued for a period of 7–15 days. The issue of extending the sick leave is decided by the doctor.

4. Ringworm is a lot of cleaning

When it becomes known that a family member has ringworm, a general cleaning with special agents that kill pathogenic fungi and spores is necessary. The patient’s things are soaked in a disinfectant solution or boiled, it is recommended to quartz the room to kill all lichen spores. They are very tenacious and can live on surfaces for years without treatment, which can lead to reinfection or spread the disease to others. Upholstered furniture is recommended to be cleaned with a steam cleaner; chloramine or chlorhexidine is suitable for disinfection. The patient should sleep daily on a new pillowcase, put on new stretched and ironed clothes, and put the old clothes in a bag separately from other family members. He should have a personal bed, dishes, a towel, a comb and other personal items – they should not be used by other family members. After use, the patient’s personal belongings are soaked in a disinfectant solution for three hours. In the patient’s room, it is recommended to disinfect daily, then boil the rags or simply throw them away.

5. Lichen is not once

It is believed that lichen is very common: 90% of parents experience it at least once. But if children suffer from chickenpox once, then it’s more difficult with lichen: you can treat the baby and after some time find spots again if there is a re-infection. Immunity to the disease is not developed. But doctors say that not everyone gets lichen. For example, a mother sleeping in the same bed with a sick child may not catch the disease if she has strong immunity.

6. Lichen is a limitation

Man is a social being. Locking the patient in the house for three weeks is impossible, and not required. Doctors forbid visiting children’s institutions, public baths, swimming pools, hairdressers, but you can and even need to go outside, because recovery is associated with immunity. Doctors have noticed that people with immunodeficiency, poor health, who are in chronic stress most often get sick with lichen. But the child will not be able to walk with his friends, play on his favorite playground, attend holidays and interesting events. Siblings will have to be separated so that the sick person does not infect the healthy one. Of course, if there is a free room and parents can provide such quarantine.

7. Lichen is noticeable

When treating ringworm, doctors usually prescribe iodine or fucorcin in combination with anti-flu ointments – thanks to them, inconspicuous spots get a bright color and it is almost impossible to hide them from others. This can create additional discomfort for the patient, who did not want to signal his problem so clearly. If there is a spot in the hair, and even more than one, then not everyone decides to go out into the street with such a head. It is not recommended to close the spots, especially if they are located on the neck and face – in this case, the lichen can go to the head and recovery will be delayed indefinitely. If a characteristic spot appeared on the neck of the owner of a long head of hair, doctors urge not to hide it under loose hair, but, on the contrary, to collect it in a tight bun. Washing and combing in the first days of treatment is not recommended.

8. Lichen is a disruption of all plans

You were planning a family vacation or paid for a camp for a child – and then you saw a characteristic spot. What to do? You will have to hand over tickets, cancel the trip, postpone all business and events. And if the child has just started going to school and classes? Again, everything will have to be postponed and treated. As soon as the child is diagnosed with lichen in the Dermatovenerological Dispensary (CVD), the educational institution will be informed about your problem and quarantine will be established. So it’s not possible to move on quietly. This will have to be dealt with.

9. Lichen is a brain explosion

Let’s say you are a responsible parent and honestly told the teacher that your child has lichen and you will be gone for three weeks. Well get ready, this is just the beginning. Expect a heated discussion of the problem in the chat among the parents of classmates. People will be in shock and panic, they will send a hundred messages and maybe even call the principal demanding to invite a dermatologist to the school, keep the patient out of the classroom, take urgent measures, switch to home schooling (depending on the degree of hysteria). If the director is strict, the classroom will be quarantined for 45 days. At this time, children will be let in from a separate entrance, not let out into the corridor during breaks, all lessons, including physical education, will be held in the classroom, and disinfection will take place daily. You may feel guilty or, depending on the strength of your nerves, simply surprised at how many problems arose because of one lichen cat that a child stroked in the country. What awaits the child after returning from quarantine is unknown. Whether classmates will tease him, whether he will fall behind the school curriculum, whether he will fall into the rank of outcasts – all this is very optional, but there will be experiences. You may even regret that you did not go to a private clinic, but registered with the KVD.

10. Lichen is in the past

In the old days, children infected with lichen were excluded from educational institutions, placed under house arrest or in isolated “lichen” orphanage schools, where they could stay for years. In France, such children studied in special institutions on the territory of hospitals. Fortunately, these days, lichen is well treated. And the practice of placing young patients in hospital wards without parents is already becoming a thing of the past. Western doctors are no longer so strict in establishing quarantine for infected children. For example, a guideline for British doctors says that no isolation is required for ringworm: “Once the skin and scalp infection is treated, children can return to school.” Doctors in Australia are ordered to exclude the child from school only “until the next day after the start of treatment.” The validity of such a decision is also confirmed by analyzes: as soon as treatment is started, a scraping shows a negative result, the stain usually stops glowing.

You can greatly reduce your risk of contracting lichen by vaccinating your pets against it—usually two shots. Do not let your child stroke animals on the street, wear other people’s hats, follow general hygiene – and lichen will forever be a thing of the past.

How do you know if your jaw is broken?

Child has fever. First aid

Europeanization of appearance: what you need to know about the main beauty trend of 2019

The online publication may use materials from Facebook and Instagram Internet resources, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., which is banned in the Russian Federation

Tell a friend

• “Irritable bowel syndrome is a real problem.” Personal experience

• “I lived with HIV for 10 years until AIDS crept in.” Personal experience

• A common cleaning product has been linked to Parkinson’s disease

• Psychologist: “Let yourself get sick”

• Beware of forest fires! How to stay safe in the woods

• Patient Zero or Purple Death

• Thyme – benefits and harms to the body, composition and medicinal properties

• Irga – benefits and harms to the human body, composition and medicinal properties

  Pink lichen is contagious – allergic disease. It often develops after a sore throat, flu, bronchitis and other colds. Pink lichen can be accompanied by allergic reactions, since the skin of patients is highly sensitive to various kinds of mechanical, thermal, toxic irritants.

  The disease begins with the appearance of a so-called plaque, after 7-10 days, round or oval pink rashes appear. After a few days, the skin in the center of the “mother’s plaque” acquires a yellowish tint, and the stratum corneum shrinks and cracks into small scales.

  During the period of fresh rashes, there may be malaise, fever, enlargement of the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes.

  More often the disease occurs in women aged 20-40 years, rarely in children. Seasonality of the disease – spring, autumn.

  Uncomplicated disease does not require treatment. In such cases, it is recommended to follow a diet (refrain from taking alcoholic beverages, spicy, salty, pickled and other irritating foods), limit the intake of water procedures (you can not wash in baths, use washcloths, wear skin-irritating underwear, etc. ).

  In case of exacerbation and complication of pink lichen and the spread of the process, it is recommended to consult a doctor for timely treatment. The duration of the disease is 6-8 weeks (no more than 3 months). As a rule, the disease does not recur.

  HEALING BOWL

  For lichen, which can be obtained from a cat or dog, air-dry (but not in the sun) the herb of bluebell, sprinkle the herb powder on the areas of the skin affected by the lichen, bandaging them loosely.

  PHARMACY IN THE BED

  Rhubarb. It has no less healing power than lettuce, spinach, celery. It contains nicotinic acid, carotene, thiamine, mineral salts of phosphorus and magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium.

  Recipe 1. Stewed rhubarb. Peeled rhubarb cut into pieces, pour a small amount of water and simmer with semolina. Serve with milk or cream. For 300 g of rhubarb 50 g of semolina, sugar, salt – to taste.

  Recipe 2. Rhubarb and beetroot salad. Dice boiled or baked beets. Add finely chopped rhubarb. Fill with sour cream. Sugar and salt – to taste. If you add chopped onions, and grated horseradish to sour cream, give the salad a completely original taste.

  Recipe 3. Spring cabbage rolls. Chopped eggs, parsley, butter put in any crumbly porridge and minced meat is ready. Scald young rhubarb leaves with boiling water, put minced meat in them and wrap. Bay with sour cream sauce, simmer in a saucepan under the lid for 10-15 minutes.

  NATURAL

  COSMETOLOGIST

  Since ancient times, cucumbers have been used in cosmetics as a cleanser, refresher and skin whitener. Try wiping your face with a slice of cucumber or a piece of skin removed from it – you will immediately feel a pleasant freshness.

  Want to make a cucumber mask that moisturizes and whitens your skin? Grate a fresh cucumber or chop it very finely, put this mass on cheesecloth and apply to your face and neck. After 15 minutes, wash your face and lubricate the skin with cream.

  If you have the first wrinkles on your forehead, a daily massage with a piece of fresh or pickled cucumber is useful. The juice, being absorbed, moisturizes the skin, and after drying it creates a mask. Wash off after 30 minutes.

  THE READER ADVISES
  Rimma Mikhailovna Simonova from Yaroslavl advises applying fresh cabbage leaves to the temple, back of the head and forehead for headaches.

  Fresh cucumber with peel, eaten without salt, has a positive effect on the body’s metabolism and has a healing effect on skin prone to acne and blackheads.

  AMBULANCE

  Itching, redness, swelling from a mosquito, bee, hornet or wasp sting is reduced by lubricating the skin with the juice of calendula or onion, plantain, fresh parsley leaves, fresh potatoes crushed into gruel. Itching from mosquito bites also goes away if you use lemon juice, table vinegar, ammonia, a solution of baking soda (half a teaspoon of one or the other in a glass of water).

  An effective, tried and tested folk remedy is the milky juice of dandelion, a common garden weed. Squeeze a few drops of juice from the flower stem or the base of the succulent leaves and lubricate the bite wound and the skin around it. Lubricate the bite site 5-6 times during the first hour after the bite – then the swelling that begins to form will quickly pass and the pain will subside.

  VITAMINS FOR SAFETY

  The only vitamin that a person can determine the lack of in himself is vitamin A. If you move from a bright room into a dark room, check how long it will take for your eyes to get used to the dark. If more than 6 seconds, then your body lacks vitamin A. Then we recommend that you drink at least a glass of tomato juice daily. You can add some finely chopped parsley to it.

  * Do not store tomato juice in metal containers. Vitamin A is destroyed in the light, so if the juice is in bottles, wrap them in paper or put them in a dark place.

  * Tomatoes will last longer if placed in an uncovered enamel pot and kept on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.