What Is Shingles?
Shingles is a common disease that can affect anyone. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in their body. However, it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles.
Most people who develop shingles will experience mild to moderate symptoms. The good news is that shingles can often be cured with the right treatment. However, many people choose to wait and see if shingles will go away on their own.
In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to expedite the healing process and get rid of shingles for good!
Symptoms of Shingles
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have Shingles:
- A rash that is painful or causes burning sensations
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
If you have more than 4 of the above symptoms, you should know that your condition is bad and may become severe without any treatment. Shingles can be cured with medication, but only if it is caught early.
Do Shingles Go Away On Its Own?
The answer is yes, but it often takes much longer for the symptoms to disappear. In some cases, the symptoms never go away completely. This can be terrible for you in the long run. If you wait too long, the virus can cause serious health complications.
Should I Wait For Shingles To Heal By Itself?
The answer is no. Shingles often go away on their own, but the healing process can take weeks or even months. And in some cases, the symptoms will never disappear.
If you’re considering whether to act on your shingles situation or wait it out, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Shingles can last for weeks or even months if left untreated
- The virus can be contagious, so it’s important to avoid contact with others
- You may be at risk for complications if you have a weakened immune system
- Treatment can help shorten the duration of the disease and make the symptoms less severe
What’s The Best Way To Heal Shingles?
If you have shingles, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will likely prescribe an antiviral medication, which can help shorten the duration of the disease and make the symptoms less severe.
In addition to medication, there are a few things you can do at home to help your shingles condition:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity
The best way to avoid getting shingles is by engaging in simple activities like stretching and walking. Bike riding can also be an option, as it does not engage the muscles heavily but still provides exercise benefits for your body.
Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese form of exercise involving controlled movement can also help with immunity from shingles while not being high-impact for those who have more severe symptoms associated with this condition.
Those who do intense cardiovascular workouts like long-distance cycling or running should substitute less rigorous activities until their rash has healed.
- Apply a cool compress to the affected area
If you have an itchy rash, holding a cool cloth against the site may help relieve your symptoms. You can also soak natural cotton balls or towels in water and wring them out before placing them on sore areas for relief from inflammation.
- Take pain medication as needed
Pop in anti-viral medications like Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir) & Valacyclovir (Valtrex). 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.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry
Clean the area well and drying out your shingles rash will aid in healing them faster. Putting on corn starch or baking soda on the rash would be helpful.
- Take baths in lukewarm water.
Add some soothing oatmeal or baking soda to your lukewarm bath to help relieve the itchiness and pain, which will help alleviate your rash inflammation and discomfort. It is important to note that the temperature of the water should not be hot and strictly lukewarm as this will only trigger more symptoms.
By following the above pointers, you can expedite the healing process and ultimately get rid of shingles.
Conclusion
It’s important to tackle your shingles condition as soon as possible to avoid any complications. If you have any questions, be sure to talk to a doctor and get it checked out as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with the best course of treatment. If you or someone you know has shingles, don’t hesitate to get medical help!