Should i scratch my shingles

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. When you have chickenpox, the virus gets into your nerve roots and stays there becomes dormant long after you get over the chickenpox. If the virus becomes active again, it can cause shingles. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:.

Enter X in the search box to learn more about "Shingles: Care Instructions". Author: Healthwise Staff. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? 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. The shingles vaccine is given in two doses. Doctors recommend getting the second dose between two and six months after the first dose. Potential side effects include arm soreness, fever and headache for a couple of days. Those are pretty good odds. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Whitley RJ. Chickenpox and herpes zoster varicella-zoster virus. Updated by: Linda J. Editorial team.

Shingles - aftercare. An outbreak of shingles usually follows the following course: Blisters and pimples appear on your skin and cause pain. A crust forms over the blisters and pimples. In 2 to 4 weeks, the blisters and pimples heal. They rarely come back. Pain from shingles lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.

You may have tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling, itching, burning, and a deep pain. Your skin may be very painful when it is touched. You may have a fever. You may have short-term weakness of certain muscles. This is rarely lifelong. To treat shingles, your health care provider may prescribe: A medicine called an antiviral to fight the virus A medicine called a corticosteroid, such as prednisone Medicines to treat your pain You may have postherpetic neuralgia PHN pain.