The Shingles, also known as Herpes zoster, is the noted “adult” chicken pox, and a pain that I will not forget anytime soon. I have dealt with a good amount of skin problems in my life, but contracting the shingles tops them all.
The shingles decided to creep on me when I was in the process of moving out of state, which triggered a lot of stress and took over when my body’s immune system was weak. Along with a sharp pain felt throughout the left side of my body, I had noticed a weird looking rash on my hip that continued to get worse with each hour that went by.
I began to realize how serious this was and that I needed to act quick to ease the pain and get rid of it. In my case, I didn’t have any health insurance and didn’t have much money to buy certain antibiotics that can be taken to soothe the shingles.
So I, along with the help of my boyfriend, researched cheaper and accessible methods to get rid of the pain and eventually diminish the shingles. Of course, I would advise anyone to go to the doctors to get a prescribed antiviral medication to treat it, if they can. It would be the best way in helping to rid of shingles quicker, but these are just tips to inform and help those who don’t have health insurance like I did or need a quick fix for a low sum.
– Try not to stress out. If stress is what triggered the shingles having less stress is what will get you through the shingles. Get as much rest as you can and avoid laying down on the infected area if you can.
– Change/wash your clothing daily. It’s a bad idea to wear the same clothing over an area that is infected. This could cause the infection to spread to other areas as well as further infect the main area.
– Keep the area clean. This is pretty key point. Avoid rubbing or scratching the infected area. Wash the area daily to keep it clean.
– Ice packs. These are a life saver if you are going through sharp pains. The coldness helps soothe the pains. Apply an ice pack to the area, covered with a towel or cloth and keep on for 20 minutes max. After use, take off the pack for 20 minutes and then you can repeat use again using the same intervals
– Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen or Aspirin; a type of over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen. Note that aspirin does not help with the inflammation, but does with the pain, and Ibuprofen DOES help with inflammation as well as pain.
– Try to cover the area with skin safe gauze. This will not only keep the area free of dirt but will reduce rubbing on clothing.
– And last but not least, refrain from doing any physical activity. This is very important. Engaging in any physical activity has many risks that could cause shingles to spread or have a relapse. It will be beneficial if you have someone else to help take care of you and do tasks for you for a while until you feel you are fully healed.
