Shingles is a persistent viral infection caused by the Varicella zoster aka the Herpes virus that causes chickenpox. Whether you were aware of having chicken pox or not, the virus remained. It can remain dormant in your nerve cells and reactivates in episodes known as shingles.
An episode generally begins with 'flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, nausea, diarrhea, exhaustion, tingling sensations, and shooting pains. This can be followed 1-5 days later with a painful rash comprised of bubbling, oozing blisters.
For more info on Shingles, I like this article
Aside from anti-viral medications you may be offered, there are things you can do to help:
* Relieve the pain and itching of the rash
* Keep the rash safe from irritation and secondary infection and
* Keep the Herpes zoster virus at bay in the long term
WARM, NOT HOT BATHS
You may find bathing soothing. You can add some Apple Cider Vinegar, or some Sea Salt, or a tied-up washcloth or bag with oatmeal in it, to the bath. Dry skin will increase itching, so I don't recommend Epsom salts or soap.
COVER THE RASH TO KEEP IT CLEAN
Depending on where your outbreak is, cover with clean cotton gauze, bandage or natural fibre non-shedding sock. The goal is to keep the open skin clean and safe from scrapes and scratching.
KEEP THE SKIN AROUND THE OUTBREAK MOISTURIZED
To relieve itching as the rash heals, moisturize with a simple fat like coconut oil, , cocoa butter or beeswax and oil balm.
USE ANTI-VIRALS DAILY TO PREVENT OUTBREAKS, AND USE ANTIVIRAL BALM TO SHORTEN THEM! I make Blister Balm precisely to prevent and treat Herpes outbreaks. As always, the formula is evidence-based and all natural.