People 50 And Older Encouraged To Get Vaccinated
Without question, all the talk in the past year has been about COVID-19 and the importance of getting vaccinated against the virus, which may have overshadowed other important vaccines, including the shingles vaccine.
But shingles is a virus that deserves plenty of attention.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus , which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body, but can appear later and turn into shingles.
Shingles usually pop up on one side of the face or body and in one small area. Typical symptoms include chills, fever, headache, sensitive skin and an extremely painful rash.
They can burn, they can sting and then they evolve to become fluid-filled vesicles, we call them, and then breaks out into a rash that follows a line that is that nerve and thats the shingles,â says Dr. William Hook, family practice physician, OSF HealthCare.
According to Dr. Hook, everyone who has had the chickenpox is at risk of getting shingles. But those who are at greater risk are older people and people who have trouble fighting infections.
Most cases of shingles last between three to five weeks. It starts with burning or tingling pain, followed by a rash. A few days later, the rash turns into blisters before drying up and crusting over about 10 days later.
For people who are on the fence about getting the vaccine, Dr. Hook offers some advice.
How Does Calamine Lotion Work
Calamine lotion contains the active ingredients zinc oxide and 0.5% iron oxide. The iron oxide gives calamine lotion its distinctive pink color. Inactive calamine lotion ingredients include:
- Purified water.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/24/2022.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chickenpox , Prevention and Treatment. Accessed 6/24/2022.
- Dermatologic Drug Reactions and Common Skin Conditions. In: Schwinghammer TL, DiPiro JT, Ellingrod VL, DiPiro CV. eds. Pharmacotherapy Handbook, 11e. McGraw Hill 2021. Accessed 6/24/2022.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants. Accessed 6/24/2022.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed. CALAMINE lotion. Accessed 6/24/2022.
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Can I Give Shingles To Others
No one can catch shingles from you. But the virus can be spread to a person who has never had chickenpox. The virus lives in the blisters that shingles causes. It can be spread until the blisters are completely healed. If you have blisters that have not crusted over yet, you should stay away from:
- Anyone who has never had chickenpox
- Babies under 12 months old
- Very sick people
Tell your doctor if you live with children who have not had chickenpox. They may need to be vaccinated.
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Stay Away From Certain Groups Of People If You Have Shingles
You cannot spread shingles to others. But people who have not had chickenpox before could catch chickenpox from you.
This is because shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus.
Try to avoid:
- pregnant people who have not had chickenpox before
- people with a weakened immune system like someone having chemotherapy
- babies less than 1 month old unless you gave birth to them, as your baby should be protected from the virus by your immune system
Who Should Not Get The Vaccine
Do not get the shingles vaccine if:
- You have a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to any ingredient of a vaccine or to a previous dose of Shingrix
- You have shingles now.
-
You are sick with an illness and a fever of 101°F or higher.
- You should also consider delaying the vaccine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Not enough is known about its safety for expectant and lactating women.
- You have had a negative test for varicella this would be uncommon for adults eligible for the vaccine, as most adults worldwide ages 50 and older have been exposed to the virus. You do not have to be tested before getting the vaccine.
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Terrasil Shingles Ointment Reviews
Eighty percent of users reported favorable results in 7-10 days of using Terrasil, according to a survey on the brands website. The triple action ointment launched in 2015 to offer relief for shingles sufferers. Since then Terrasil shingles ointment reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
, buyers describe how the cream is widely successful at treating the itchiness of the rash. The topical substance seems to be less effective at reducing the nerve pain that often accompanies shingles resurgence. Several reviewers boasted about the creams ability to address skin dryness too.
On the downside, a handful of consumers pointed out that the consistency of the salve was unpleasantly greasy. Be mindful of the bandages and clothing you choose to wear. The oiliness could transfer or stain fabric.
On Google reviews, descriptions were less glowing, but generally positive. Buying online seems to deliver savings over purchasing from brick-and-mortar retail establishment. As with Amazon, customers on Google described Terrasil as fantastic for stopping itching and moisturizing, but not addressing any pain from nerve damage. The product doesnt advertise itself in that manner, so bad reviews may be an instance of unmet expectations.
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Home Remedies And Lifestyle
In addition to triggering an uncomfortable rash, shingles can cause symptoms that are similar to those of other viral infections.
While prescription and over-the-counter drugs can help, one of the most important things you can do while dealing with the illness is to take good care of yourself. If you’re caring for someone else who has shingles, “creature comforts” can be enormously soothing.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Integrate these basic tactics into even the busiest daily routine:
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Calamine And Chigger Bites
Chiggers are mites that feed on human skin. They cause skin irritation, welts, and itching. If you think youve been bitten by a chigger, wash the bite with soap and water and then apply some calamine lotion to help relieve itching.
Other ways to relieve itching could include cool compresses or OTC anti-itch cream. Scratching the bites could lead to infection.
When using calamine lotion, see a doctor if:
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms last more than 7 days
- your symptoms clear up but come back after a few days
If you have a serious allergic reaction which is rare such as hives and swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, seek immediate medical help.
Contact a poison control center right away if calamine lotion has been swallowed.
The active ingredient in calamine lotion is a combination of zinc oxide and 0.5% iron oxide. The iron oxide gives it its identifying pink color.
Calamine lotion also typically includes inactive ingredients, such as:
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Other Complications Of Shingles
If the shingles rash appears around the eye or forehead, it can cause eye infections and temporary or permanent loss of vision. If the shingles virus attacks the ear, people may develop hearing or balance problems. In rare cases, the shingles virus may attack the brain or spinal cord. These complications can often be prevented by beginning treatment for shingles as soon as possible.
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These Home Remedies Should Provide Relief During A Case Of Shingles
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Anyone who had chickenpox as a kid remembers the red, painfully itchy blister-like rash, and perhaps the fever and fatigue that came along with it. But even though it’s true you’re now inoculated against chickenpox for life, there’s one pox-related complication you may not have considered: Shingles.
Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus , and causes a painful, itchy rash in one place on the body. Shingles is most common in adults over 50 years of age in fact, about half of people over age 80 may experience it.
Shingles often begin as pain and itching in the skin before a red rash appears one to two days later, with small, water-filled blisters. These blisters soon rupture and scar over, healing and fading over the course of a few weeks. This process can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, making even the littlest actions difficult.
Here’s how to minimize discomfort and pain with stuff you probably already have at home:
How Long Does Shingles Last
Shingles blisters usually scab over in 7-10 days and disappear completely in two to four weeks. In most healthy people, the blisters leave no scars, and the pain and itching go away after a few weeks or months. But people with weakened immune systems may develop shingles blisters that do not heal in a timely manner.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does A Shingles Outbreak Last
Eutectic Mixture Of Local Anesthetics Cream
EMLA cream is a prescription medication made up of a 1-to-1 ratio of 2.5 percent lidocaine and 2.5 percent prilocaine.
A 2018 case study of one person found that EMLA cream may make an effective alternative to lidocaine cream for treating PHN in people with special situations like kidney failure. However, theres not much available research about its effectiveness. Most existing research is from the 1980s and 90s.
A doctor can give you specific instructions on how to use EMLA cream.
Does The Use Of Calamine Or Antihistamine Provide Symptomatic Relief From Pruritus In Children With Varicella Zoster Infection
Minju KuruvillaIsabel Margarson
A 2yearold girl presents with chickenpox. The girl has typical vesicular lesions but has no evidence of complications on examination. Her mother reports that she is scratching continuously and has had very little sleep over the past few days as a result of the pruritus. Considering the therapeutic options, we wonder whether there is any evidence to support the use of either calamine lotion or antihistamines to alleviate pruritus in varicella zoster infection.
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How To Dry Shingles Rash
Shingles can be very uncomfortable. Compounding this is the fact that shingles are generally triggered by stress or illness in the patient. Only people who have had chicken pox, a normally benign childhood virus, will have a shingles flare-up. Shingles can occur anywhere on the body and present as water-filled blisters overlying red irritated skin. As the virus continues, the blisters fill with pus and begin to break open, dry out and fade.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Keep the blisters wet to help dry them out. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it really does work. As the moisture on your skin begins to dry, it evaporates and takes some of the moisture from the blisters along with it. This will pull moisture away and force the blisters to dry out.
Use over-the-counter drying agents such as calamine lotion. Calamine naturally dries out skin and the rashes that plague it. Normally used for poison ivy, poison oak and insect bites, calamine lotion is a long-trusted addition to most medicine cabinets.Once the blisters begin to dry out, stop using the calamine lotion and allow the scabbed areas to heal.
Make an ointment from aloe vera pulp and cayenne pepper. These ingredients together will help soothe the rash while pulling moisture out, causing it to dry out and begin to heal. Aloe vera is a well-known soothing and healing agent.
Tips
Warnings
How To Apply Calamine Lotion
On a basic level, youll want to clean the area with soap and water before you apply calamine lotion. Then, shake up the bottle and dab the lotion onto the affected skin with a cotton ball, cotton swab, or cloth. Keep in mind, though, that you dont want to apply it to open or raw skin.
If you use calamine lotion and your rash or itch isnt improving after several days, Dr. Zeichner says its time to call your doctor, who may recommend a prescription-strength cream instead.
Looking to add some to your medicine cabinet? Try one of these to ease your itch:
Caladryl Calamine Lotion
Also Check: What Does Shingles Look Like On Your Skin
Natural Remedies For Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The varicella zoster virus causes this viral infection. Its the same virus that causes chickenpox.
If you had chickenpox as a child, the shingles virus lies dormant in your body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause a shingles rash. The rash can occur on any part of your body but typically only affects small sections.
Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. The rash and fluid-filled blisters form within a couple of days after the onset of pain. Some people with shingles also have a fever, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime.
The shingles virus can last between two and six weeks. Shingles isnt life-threatening, but some people experience postherpetic neuralgia. This is when nerve fibers become damaged, causing shingles pain that lasts for weeks or months after the rash clears.
Theres no cure for shingles, but your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the virus and reduce symptoms.
Although an antiviral is an effective treatment for shingles, its not the only option. Several natural remedies may also reduce pain and discomfort.
Dry your body completely and then wash your towel to avoid spreading the virus to others.
- orange and yellow fruits
Preventing The Virus Spreading
If you have the shingles rash, do not share towels or flannels, go swimming, or play contact sports. This will help prevent the virus being passed on to someone who has not had chickenpox.
You should also avoid work or school if your rash is weeping and cannot be covered.
Chickenpox can be particularly dangerous for certain groups of people. If you have shingles, avoid:
- women who are pregnant and have not had chickenpox before as they could catch it from you, which may harm their unborn baby
- people who have a weak immune system, such as someone with HIV or AIDS
- babies less than one month old, unless it is your own baby, in which case your baby should have antibodies to protect them from the virus
Once your blisters have dried and scabbed over, you are no longer contagious and will not need to avoid anyone.
Recommended Reading: Shingles Nerve Pain Without Rash
Treat Your Body And Mind
You can get worn down mentally when youâre in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but donât stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well.
5. Stick with good habits: Your bodyâs 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 youâre not up for it.
- Try to get a good nightâs 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 youâre trying something new.
6. Distract yourself: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try:
Calamine And Bug Bites
To address mild reactions to bug bites and stings, Mayo Clinic suggests applying calamine lotion to the area several times daily. This can be done until symptoms of the bite or sting are gone.
As alternatives to calamine lotion, you can use a baking soda paste or 0.5 to 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. If topical treatments arent effective, consider taking an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl.
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Poison Ivy Oak Or Sumac
The anti-inflammatory properties help with the irritation and inflammation, says Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. It also absorbs the oozing that occurs from the blisters. If you have a mild case of poison ivy, Dr. Rodney recommends washing the area with warm water then applying the lotion to relieve the itch.
Is Shingles Prevention Possible Is There A Shingles Vaccine
Prevention of shingles in people who have contracted chickenpox is difficult, since the factors that trigger reactivation are not yet defined. However, if a person is never infected with the virus, shingles will not develop. Furthermore, there are at least two methods that are currently used to reduce the incidence of shingles.
First, the VZV vaccine, otherwise known as the chickenpox vaccine, may decrease the incidence of shingles by enhancing the immune systems ability to fight off VZV or keep this virus inactive. This vaccine is usually administered to children, but the immunity may decline in about 15-20 years. The single-dose vaccine dose is given to babies 12-18 months of age. Most vaccine side effects, if they occur, are mild and range from a rash, skin redness, and swelling to small chickenpox lesions, usually at the injection site. Boosters of this vaccine for use in adults are now being investigated and may help prevent shingles in the future.
Shingrix is the vaccine the CDC currently recommends as the preferred shingles vaccine. Two doses about 2-6 months apart are more than 90% effective in preventing shingles and PHN, and it is recommended for use in people 50 and over. Side effects of Shingrix may occur and last about 2-3 days and may include redness and swelling at the inoculation site. Some individuals may experience muscle pain, headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, and nausea.
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