Thanks to its hallmark rash, which is characterized by red to brownish bumps that blister, leak fluid, and scab over, shingles, a.k.a. herpes zoster, is usually simple to diagnose.
In its earliest stages, however, shingles can be slightly more insidious. That’s because the infection begins with nerve discomfort: a deep burning, sharp tingling, or deep-seated itch in an area where a painful rash will ultimately emerge. “There’s nothing necessarily on the surface of the skin initially,” Susan Massick, MD, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF.
But being vigilant and seeking medical attention at the first sign of the illness—which is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same culprit behind chicken pox—can make a big difference in your recovery. Starting a course of antiviral medication within 72 hours of spotting a shingles rash can help you feel better faster. It also significantly reduces your risk of experiencing a type of pain known as postherpetic neuralgia long after the blisters have healed, says Jason Miller, MD, the medical director for Schweiger Dermatology Group’s New Jersey and Long Island region.
Shingles will improve without antivirals, but it will take longer and feel a lot worse, Dr. Massick says. If you can see a doctor ASAP, you should. The blisters generally scab over within 10 days, but it can take between two and four weeks for them to fade completely. Still, that doesn’t mean you have to grit your teeth and bear the pain. You can take steps to help ease the discomfort. Ask your doctor if some of these options may be helpful for you.
How to take care of a painful shingles rash
Early on, shingles can feel a lot like the flu. You might be hit with severe fatigue, a fever and chills, a pounding headache, or an upset stomach. To help, you’ll want to get plenty of rest and fluids, eat nutritious foods that are easy to digest, and avoid stress. Once the rash develops the symptoms can be a lot to handle, especially if you’re still feeling crummy and run-down. However, there are a few things experts recommend you do at home to ease your skin symptoms and prevent anyone around you from getting sick as the infection runs its course.
1. Clean the rash with a simple cleanser.
Your skin is already angry, so do your best to avoid products that might irritate it further, including harsh soaps. Use a fragrance-free wash with a creamy formula, which tends to be less drying—think: a thicker, lotion-like consistency versus a thin and sudsy one. (Soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and colloidal oatmeal are nice bonuses.) Steer clear of physical exfoliants or scrubs, chemical exfoliants (salicylic or glycolic acids, for example), acne fighters like sulfur or benzoyl peroxide, botanicals such as essential oils, and other active ingredients that might stress out sensitive skin. The simpler the better.