I'm so sorry, Snoel. You don't have to worry, per se. Keep the area as "aired out" as possible (not too moist).

Are you taking Tylenol/acetominophen? That might be the best thing for any pain.

The signs to worry about are an increase in pain, pain elsewhere (i.e., abdominal, head pain), fever, dizziness, etc.

It can take a couple of days for the drugs to kick in. Pamper yourself and rest/sleep a bunch. Have chicken soup or other meals packed with nutrition. They have actually proven that chicken soup ingredients are good for viruses/bacteria (PubMed).

Gross alert!

Be careful when you wipe. Dab lightly. Wipe 1 and 2 areas separately. Since Shingles are basically open sores, you don't want to infect them as well, meaning add a bacterial infection on top of the viral one.

Cold can help with pain, but something that is too cold will make the nerves worse (cold-induced injury).

Shingles can cause scarring—just as chicken pox can—but hopefully you won't have any! That's why you should be gentle "down there."

If you have a primary doctor, they would probably be able to give you more tips.

If things worsen in any way, it's best to go to the ER.

It's hard to wait something like this out. Stressing out about it will only make your immune system worse! Try to get your mind off it with good music, a movie, or whatever makes you happy.

And if anyone you know is sick, tell them to stay the heck away from you right now!!! You aren't a danger to others, they are to you!


Annie