Solitary chicken - need advice

[Fur 'n' Feathers]

We've just come back from a glorious holiday in mainland Greece . Whilst out there I developed a rash on my left neck & upper chest area & thought it was a flareup of my dermatitis. I also thought that my whiplash had flared up just before this as I had the effect of a nipped nerve in my neck & left shoulder.

 

I had to go to the GP yesterday for the results of some tests (unrelated) & asked about the rash as it was sore & I had not found my usual cream to be effective this time. It was then that I was told that I have shingles and that I shouldn't go back to work this week (I work with people) and to rest!

 

Now I can make sense of why my "whiplash" was so painful.

 

Has anyone any suggestions for "cooling" the rash. It's not too broken thankfully but is VERY sore in places, plus itchy. I know about ice packs, but is there anything else cream-wise.

 

By the way, once again Ibuprofen has become my "best friend"

 

Feathers

[Cinnamon]

Hi,

 

My youngest gets it sometimes,following her Chicken Pox when she was a toddler.

 

Although she hasn't had it for a long time,I remember bathing her in tepid water with Epsom salts.

 

Oh, & our Doctor awlays said that its not infectious,so only to keep her at home if she was in discomfort,otherwise school as normal

[Faye&Ant]

Hi I had shingles a couple of months ago around my eye and the right side of my head felt like it was on fire. My doctor said it wasn't infectious and recommended Ibrupfofen. I also used some calamine lotion to cool the itching. Hope it heals quickly for you (mine lasted about 2 weeks) xx

[Fur 'n' Feathers]

Thanks for your replies.

 

It's not infectious but the virus is contagious & can be passed on to others via touch/ contact with the fluid from the open sores.

 

You can't catch shingles from someone with shingles but if a person with shingles is in close contact with someone who's never had chicken pox that person can contract chicken pox, particularly if their immunity is low. That's why its also important to keep away from pregnant women and babies while the rash is actively wet/open.

 

I work in the NHS with patients, some of whom are vulnerable, so our health & safety policy is strict about the risks of contamination.

 

I remember using calamine when I had chicken pox at 11. Epsom salts is an interesting option. Only used it on the clematis before

 

By the way I was on the shingles website yesterday & it advised against any contact sports.... like rugby .....!!! Owwwwww!!!

 

Feathers

[fluffyknickers]

I had shingles when I was about 10 on my side and found that it was comforting to have a cotton handkerchief next to it so nothing rubbed it.

 

My dad has just got over shingles and was given some tablets and cream from the doc - if he has kept the packet will find out what it was.

 

Years ago my poor uncle was so ill with a severe case of it he was hospitalised!

 

Get well soon.

michelle

[Valkyrie]

Ouch! My dad got Bell's Palsy with his. Try bathing with bicarb - it won't crack like the calomine and still soothes. Virtual hugs being sent as they are more gentle.

[..lay a little egg for me]

Thanks for your replies.

 

It's not infectious but the virus is contagious & can be passed on to others via touch/ contact with the fluid from the open sores.

 

You can't catch shingles from someone with shingles but if a person with shingles is in close contact with someone who's never had chicken pox that person can contract chicken pox, particularly if their immunity is low. That's why its also important to keep away from pregnant women and babies while the rash is actively wet/open.

 

I work in the NHS with patients, some of whom are vulnerable, so our health & safety policy is strict about the risks of contamination.

 

I remember using calamine when I had chicken pox at 11. Epsom salts is an interesting option. Only used it on the clematis before

 

By the way I was on the shingles website yesterday & it advised against any contact sports.... like rugby .....!!! Owwwwww!!!

 

Feathers

 

I got chicken pox from a teacher who had shingles when I was 16. So if I were you I would stay home, despite what the doc said!

[The Dogmother]

That's nasty - Phil's Mum has it and she's in quite a bit of pain, has been given anti-virals by the doc.

[Fur 'n' Feathers]

I got chicken pox from a teacher who had shingles when I was 16. So if I were you I would stay home, despite what the doc said!

 

Absolutely! The GP told me I should take a week off (have had it about 10 days already) and then decided to certificate it as well I was expecting to self certificate for that length.

 

I rang work today. Only 2 members of my team are in (out of 14 +) due to sick leave, operations, vacancies and hols.

 

My manager answered the phone and when I said "hello it's..." she said "Who?" Shows how stressed they all are and possibly undelines why I got shingles

 

I'm finding witchazel gel a wonderful soother . The headaches a bit more difficult but the forum is a great help in this. Thanks folks for your kindness.

 

Feathers x x x

[chickenanne]

Not tried this on shingles, but for chicken pox spots a thick paste made from bicarb of soda and water is good. Just don't get it in your eyes (the voice of experience!)