Can people with shingles take a bath?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on January 19, 2025
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Whether you can bathe during shingles depends on the individual. If it is in the early stage of shingles, where only some blisters have formed and the skin has not broken, you can occasionally bathe. However, if the shingles are severe and have led to an infection with broken skin and bacterial infection, it is not advisable to bathe. In general, it is better to avoid bathing while suffering from shingles, as this can aid in the recovery of the condition. If you feel dirty, it is recommended to wipe yourself with a wet cloth.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How is herpes zoster diagnosed?

The diagnosis of herpes zoster is primarily based on clinical symptoms. First, the skin lesions appear as clusters of vesicles, which are distributed in a band-like pattern along one side of peripheral nerves. Second, there is significant neuralgia accompanied by swelling of the local lymph nodes. Third, the skin in the middle is normal. If these three clinical symptoms are present, it can generally be confirmed as herpes zoster.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What is shingles called

Shingles is a form of chickenpox caused by the herpes zoster virus infection. It has many colloquial names, such as waist-bound fire rash, serpent sores, dragon around the waist, spider sores, and several others related to serpentine and fiery descriptions, all of which are folk names for shingles. Shingles occur due to the reactivation of the virus that lies dormant in the body. This virus enters through the respiratory tract mucosa into the blood, causing the infection.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Clinical manifestations of herpes zoster

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection. Its most characteristic symptom is the appearance of clustered small blisters distributed along nerve paths on one side of the body, which are quite painful and generally do not cross the midline. This disease has a certain natural course, and it can usually heal within one week to ten days. Some individuals, if in good physical condition and with strong immunity, may recover without medication. However, once identified, it is best to treat with antiviral medications. Delaying treatment may lead to postherpetic neuralgia, which involves severe pain. Therefore, it is crucial to undergo proper treatment once the disease is detected. During treatment, patients should rest more, drink plenty of water, and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does shingles cause fever?

After contracting shingles, it is possible to experience symptoms of fever because this illness can lead to inflammatory responses. These inflammatory responses may manifest as systemic symptoms, such as fever. If fever occurs, it is advisable to use physical cooling methods or antipyretic medications for treatment, while concurrently addressing the primary illness of shingles. This involves using antiviral drugs and medications that nourish the nerves. It is also important to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and ensure plenty of rest.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What family does shingles belong to?

Shingles can be treated in three medical departments. First, dermatology. Since the blisters primarily appear on the skin, seeing a dermatologist can treat shingles. Second, neurology. As shingles may be caused by nerve damage, treatment can be sought from a neurologist. Third, for severe pain, especially if postherpetic neuralgia remains after shingles, one can consult the pain management department. The initial symptoms of shingles are mainly pain, particularly unilateral limb or unilateral scalp/facial pain.