Shingles (herpes zoster) is an irritating skin rash characterized by blisters. These typically scab over within seven to 10 days and clear within two or four weeks. Your risk for developing shingles increases significantly after age 50 if you’ve never had chickenpox or received the varicella zoster vaccine.
If an elderly loved one has been diagnosed with shingles, there are a few steps you should take in order to make their stay comfortable and safe. At the first sign of a rash appearing, make an appointment with their primary doctor as well as with a dermatologist immediately – they will assess its severity before prescribing antiviral medication and pain relievers as necessary.
Second, encourage your loved one to get plenty of rest. Sleep can reduce stress levels that exacerbate symptoms; try playing soothing music or participating in relaxing activities like reading or taking a hot bath to promote restful restful nights for them.
Thirdly, aid your loved one in taking their medications as directed. Elderly care providers can remind your senior when to take their prescriptions as well as run grocery errands if needed so they won’t miss an important treatment plan.
Shingles can be unbearably painful in areas that are affected by a rash. This discomfort may last weeks and in extreme cases even months – to alleviate their suffering caregivers can apply hot or cold compresses to soothe affected nerve areas as well as gently wash it off with soap and water before gently drying the area with soft cloth before applying calamine lotion or an oral antihistamine medication to control itching.
Caregivers should remember that shingles isn’t contagious itself; however, those affected with it can still spread the varicella-zoster virus that causes it by coming into contact with fluid from blisters. Therefore, it’s crucial not to scratch a rash that appears as this could open sores which allow infection to spread more easily.
Caregiving for someone living with shingles can be exhausting and challenging, particularly when they’re experiencing such severe discomfort. If you need relief, consider hiring elderly care providers like Casa Companion Homecare Solutions who provide companion care, overnight home care or 24-hour home care to your elderly loved one while they battle shingles symptoms. Reach out now to discover more of their services!