Shingles Flashcards
Symptoms of shingles.
A tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin.
Headache or generally unwell.
Followed by a rash a few days later, usually over chest and tummy, but can be anywhere (including face and genitals), on ONE side of the body only.
Rash becomes itchy blisters which ooze fluid then dry out and scab.
Shingles lifestyle advice
Can take 4 weeks for rash to heal, and pain can persist after.
Take paracetamol
Keep rash clean and dry
Wear loose fitting clothing
Apply a cold compress
Don’t irritate rash with tight/rough clothing, or plasters/dressing.
Avoid babies, immunosuppressed, pregnant, or who haven’t had chicken pox before.
Stay off work until rash stops weeping, or rash has scabbed over.
Shingles referral.
Usually goes away on its own but recommend seeing GP, especially if haven’t had chickenpox before, are pregnant, immunosuppressed, or under 18.
