Care of skin sores from shingles

Content provided by Healthwise

Care of skin sores from shingles

Careful skin care can help control the itching and pain associated with shingles and can also help prevent skin infection.

Avoid picking at and scratching blisters. If left alone, blisters will crust over and fall off naturally.
Use cool, moist compresses if they help ease discomfort. Lotions, such as calamine, may be applied after wet compresses. Try not to apply so much lotion that it cakes and is hard to remove.
Apply cornstarch or baking soda to help dry the sores so that they heal more quickly.
Soak crusted sores with tap water or Burow's solution to help clean away crusts, decrease oozing, and dry and soothe the skin.
Ask your health professional about prescription antibiotic creams or ointments if your skin becomes infected.

Your health professional may prescribe topical creams to help relieve the inflammation caused by shingles. Be sure to apply creams as directed by your health professional and the medication's label.

Do not use thick ointment (such as petroleum jelly) that prevents the sores from drying and healing.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Wajeeh E. Nasser, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Last Updated	March 21, 2007

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	March 21, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Wajeeh E. Nasser, MD - Family Medicine, Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.