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 Xie Ming Feng
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herpes zoster symptoms

The symptoms of herpes zoster primarily manifest as irregular erythema on certain parts of the body's skin, followed by clusters of rice-grain or mung bean-sized raised vesicular rash, blisters, and blood blisters. These rashes generally appear on one side of the body, not crossing the body's midline, and are accompanied by local sensations of burning, scalding pain, stabbing pain, numbness, itching, and other abnormal neural sensations.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does shingles recur?

Shingles, this skin disease is recurrent. Not only is it contagious, but it also has a propensity to recur. The likelihood of recurrence is greatly influenced by one's own resistance and also greatly related to the people one comes into contact with. Therefore, after recovering from shingles, it is essential to avoid further contact with other shingles patients or those with chickenpox. One should balance work and rest, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and enhance personal immunity. If shingles recurs, it is crucial to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital.

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Written by Yu Gang
Dermatology Department
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Can you drink alcohol with herpes zoster?

Herpes zoster is caused by a viral infection of the nerves, usually following a cold. It is important to rest, avoid alcohol, and not eat spicy or rich foods. Additionally, take some antiviral medication such as acyclovir orally, and vitamins B1 and B12 to nourish the nerves. Make sure to rest well, avoid staying up late, and refrain from overexertion. For external use, it is best to apply some acyclovir to prevent infection.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How long should shingles be isolated?

The contagious period of shingles is about two weeks, so it is advisable to isolate for two to three weeks. Shingles typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems and is mainly caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The primary symptoms are red blister clusters on the skin that follow nerve pathways, accompanied by significant pain. Treatment primarily focuses on antiviral medication, nourishing the nerves, and relieving pain. Generally, within two to three weeks, the rash can crust over and shed, at which point it is no longer contagious, and isolation is no longer necessary.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What should be noted in the diet for herpes zoster?

After a human body is infected with the varicella-zoster virus, the virus can remain dormant for a long time in the posterior spinal nerves, nerve roots, or trigeminal nerve roots. When the body's immunity is lowered, it can trigger the disease herpes zoster. The onset of the disease indicates that the patient has recently been fatigued or suffering from serious diseases such as malignant tumors, leading to lowered resistance. Therefore, during the period of suffering from herpes zoster, patients should not only pay more attention to rest but also be particularly careful with their diet. They should eat less spicy, stimulating, and greasy food, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and betel nuts. They can eat more nutritious food with a high content of dietary fiber and protein, such as fresh vegetables, lean meat, and nuts, to enhance resistance.