How to soothe a shingles rash at home

Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, VZV remains in the body in an inactive state. Shingles occurs when the virus becomes active again.

Shingles most often appears as a single band of blisters that wraps around one side of the torso, though it can appear on any part of the body. It’s estimated that about one-third of people in the United States will experience shingles at some point in their lifetime.

While there is no cure for shingles, there are antiviral treatments available that can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the infection. Antiviral treatments should be started within the first 48 to 72 hours, and preferably within the first 24 hours. If you or a loved one has shingles, see a healthcare provider (HCP) as soon as possible.

How to soothe shingles at home

In addition to following the instructions for shingles care from your HCP, the ideas below may help you get relief from the itching and pain.

Do NOT scratch

Before discussing how to soothe shingles, it’s important to mention something to avoid: scratching. During the first five days, the rash will form fluid-filled blisters that can break open if scratched. This can cause scarring and lead to a bacterial infection. The fluid inside the blisters can spread the VZV virus, which can cause chickenpox in anyone who has not previously had chickenpox. It’s a good idea to avoid contact with anyone who has not had chickenpox until the shingles rash is completely cleared up.

Take a soothing bath or shower

A cool bath or shower may help ease pain and itching. Plus, it’s important to keep the affected area clean to prevent blisters becoming infected with bacteria. Dry the area after bathing, using clean towels to avoid contact with bacteria.

For added relief, a colloidal oatmeal bath for shingles can help ease the itching of the rash. Colloidal oatmeal is a remedy for a number of skin conditions, including psoriasis, and can be found at your local pharmacy.

Apply a cold compress

Placing an ice pack or a cold compress over the shingles rash may help numb the pain and itching. To make a cold compress, dampen a washcloth or towel with cold water, place it in a sealable bag, and let it sit in your freezer for 15 minutes. Then remove the washcloth or towel from the freezer and bag and apply it to the affected area for up to 20 minutes. Be sure to use a clean cloth each time and to pat the area dry afterward.

Apply a lotion or cream

During the blistering phase of shingles, you can apply calamine lotion to soothe shingles pain and itching. Be sure to wash your hands and keep the nozzle of the lotion bottle clean to prevent infection. Once the blisters have scabbed over, ask your HCP about a cream or patch to relieve neuralgia, or nerve pain in the skin.

Consider an OTC pain medication

An over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever such as acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may help soothe shingles pain. It may also help if you are experiencing a fever during the onset of shingles. Speak with your HCP about taking any OTC medicine in addition to what you have been prescribed.

Take an antihistamine

Antihistamines may be used to help relieve itching. Speak with your HCP about which antihistamines are recommended for shingles.

Prevent another bout of shingles

Most people who get shingles only get it once, but some patients do develop it a second time. (It’s rare to have it three times or more.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults ages 50 and older—including those who have previously had shingles—get the shingles vaccine. Because there is a newer vaccine in use, people who received the previous vaccine should get the newer version. The vaccine is available through your HCP or at your local pharmacy.