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 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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Can I eat chicken with herpes zoster?

People with shingles can eat chicken. Shingles is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, often occurring in patients with low immunity. The onset of shingles is not directly related to diet. After contracting shingles, it is recommended to rest and eat protein-rich foods such as chicken to enhance the body's resistance, which is beneficial for the recovery of the disease. This provides the necessary nutrients to complement the medical treatment of shingles.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does herpes zoster require a special diet?

During the course of shingles, it is definitely necessary to avoid certain foods. Firstly, one must abstain from smoking and alcohol, as they are very detrimental to the recovery from shingles. Secondly, it is essential to avoid certain stimulating and aggravating foods, such as seafood, beef, lamb, and spices like onions, ginger, and garlic. Lastly, while avoiding these foods, one should consume more nutritious foods such as apples, carrots, pork, lean meat, and milk.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What is shingles?

Herpes zoster is a viral skin disease, and humans are the only hosts for the varicella-zoster virus. Therefore, the virus can easily enter the bloodstream through the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to viremia, and consequently causing chickenpox or presenting as a latent infection. The virus can lie dormant for long periods in our ganglia or nerve roots. When the body is stimulated again, leading to a decrease in resistance, the dormant virus can be activated, which may result in herpes zoster.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does shingles itch?

Shingles most often leads to the formation of long blisters or herpes, accompanied by significant pain, which is the experience of most patients. However, a minority of people may not feel significant pain but instead experience itching. This is also a manifestation of the inflammation caused by shingles. Therefore, some patients with shingles feel itchy. Both itching and pain require timely antiviral treatment, along with medication that nourishes the nerves.