How to ask the question “Can shingles be itchy?” is actually not as difficult as it seems. The condition causes a lot of pain on the skin and can even lead to severe cases of blisters that may crust over. To help you out in knowing the answer to that question, here are some of the main shingles causes and symptoms as well as treatment options that your doctor may recommend.
The most common and annoying symptom is the burning and itching sensation that can occur during or after the breakout of shingles. This pain will usually vary from mild to excruciating depending on the severity of the case. This burning sensation can also make it difficult for people with shingles to perform activities such as driving or even just standing for a long period of time. It can also make sleeping a difficult task.
Although the pain and itchiness can be very bothersome, another symptom that may make you ask the question “can shingles be itchy?” is the rash that often develops because of the blisters. Shingles rash can vary from a light, harmless one to a large, scaly one.
Other than the pain and the rash, the other symptoms of shingles include a rash that omits parts of the body and a discolored mole that turn black due to infection. These two can be confused with chicken pox as well. However, you should remember that shingles is not a sexually transmitted disease so it cannot be passed on to anyone either.
If you have been itching at night, then the answer to the question “can shingles be itchy?” can be yes. This is also because you are experiencing some level of pain as you wake up each morning. The pain will subside as your body adapts to the foreign substance on your skin but it is important to take care of the irritation as soon as possible.
Can shingles be itchy? – if you suffer from the itching and burning then you have already experienced shingles. It is important to treat the burning and the itching before it becomes too itchy for you. Fortunately, there is an effective treatment available for the itching and for the rashes associated with shingles.
There are some creams available on the market that are applied to the skin every day. There are also medicated creams available and they contain some anti-inflammatory ingredients such as ibuprofen. Over the counter medications are also available but it is wise to talk with your doctor before starting any medication. He or she will be able to give you the best advice regarding the treatment of shingles.
Can shingles be itchy? – the answer to the question can shingles be itchy depends upon who is going to be affected by it. For those people who are elderly, there is a chance that the rash will be more severe and may be itchy even during sleep. For this reason, older individuals should avoid rashes and bumps that are found on their scalp. Shingles is not contagious and the itchiness can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
Do not let the itching get you down. There are many shingles pain relief treatments that are available. An ointment that contains hydrocortisone is one such treatment. It has hydrocortisone which acts as an anti-inflammatory. This may reduce the pain caused by the rash.
You may be advised to take aspirin to ease the pain. However, aspirin is known to weaken the immune system so it is important not to take too much of it. Some people are also advised to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Although these medicines can be used to treat shingles, it is not for everyone and a consultation with the doctor is required before taking any medicine.
There are also creams available for pain relief. Creams that contain steroids are used. Steroids can help in reducing the pain caused by shingles. The problem with these medications however is that they may have side effects. This may include allergy symptoms like skin rashes. There is also the risk of developing an organ disease.
Other treatments for shingles include hot compresses and ice packs. You should not use powders, as they will only provide temporary relief. The best way to get relief from shingles is to go to a health clinic and seek advice. Your health care professional will be able to give you the best possible advice to reduce the pain caused by shingles.