COMMON CONDITIONS: INFECTIOUS DISEASES

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Shingles
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus, which lies dormant in anyone who has had chicken pox. It begins with pain or tingling in an area of skin on one side of your body or face, followed by a rash of small, fluid-filled blisters. You may also have a headache and fever. The blisters scab over and heal within a few weeks, but the area may be painful for months afterward. Shingles is more common in later life. Stress, ill health, or sunlight can trigger an attack, but you cant catch shingles from contact with chicken pox.

Shingles rash

See your doctor first

Arrange to see your doctor to confirm that you have shingles. See your doctor urgently if shingles has developed close to an eye.

DRUG REMEDIES Analgesics will relieve fever as well as pain. Use acetaminophen (see p.177), aspirin (see p.179), or ibuprofen (see p.185). Ask your pharmacist for advice on which product to use.

What you can do yourself

Use these home treatments to make yourself feel better while you get over an attack of shingles.
G G

NATURAL REMEDIES Baking soda (see p.179) can also help reduce itching. Add 4 tablespoons (about one cup) to a bath two-thirds full. Oatmeal products (see p.187) are soothing for itchy, blistered skin. Add oatmeal oil to your bath or use the lotion instead of soap.

Rest as much as you can to speed your recovery. While you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids.

G Take an analgesic to relieve pain, headache, and fever (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). A cold compress (a cloth soaked in ice-cold water) may help relieve pain and tingling in your skin. G If you have blisters on your body, take lukewarm baths 23 times a day. Add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or use an oatmeal product (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right) to soothe your skin. Wash any blisters on your face gently with soap and water. G Until all the blisters are dry, avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has not had chicken pox, because they could catch the virus from you.

PREVENTION Preventing attacks If you are susceptible to shingles, try the following measures:
G If you are prone to stress (a trigger for an attack of shingles), try using deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques to help you relax (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, pp.2021). G Be careful to protect your skin from strong sunlight (see PREVENTION: SAFETY IN THE SUN, p.47).

Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your doctor again if: Your blisters become pus-filled and spread You develop severe headaches or vomiting G Analgesics do not control the pain, or pain persists after the blisters have cleared
G G

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COMMON CONDITIONS

SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS

Impetigo
Impetigo is a common skin infection that mainly affects children. It can appear anywhere on the body but most often develops on the face, especially around the nose and mouth. Red, weepy sores develop; the sores then blister and burst, and dry out to form an itchy, honeycolored crust. Caused by bacterial infection, impetigo is highly contagious and is spread by touch. The bacteria are present in small numbers on healthy skin, but impetigo tends to develop when there are minor cuts or scrapes that allow the bacteria to get under the skin.

Impetigo sores

See your doctor first

Make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm impetigo. The doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE Washing infected areas Use the following procedure to soften and remove crusts and help the skin heal. (If you are using an antibiotic ointment, do this before you apply the ointment.)
Soak the affected area by applying a clean washcloth soaked in warm water. Hold it over the skin for 12 minutes, being careful not to rub the rash. Pat the skin dry with a towel. Repeat this several times a day, washing your hands afterward. G Do not cover the blisters. They will heal better if you leave them exposed to the air.
G

What you can do yourself

Impetigo usually clears up promptly with antibiotic treatment, but the following measures will speed recovery and reduce the risk of the sores spreading.
G

TECHNIQUE,

Wash the affected area carefully (see PRACTICAL right).

G Make sure your child has towels and washcloths for his or her own use. Change them daily and wash them in very hot water. Encourage your child to wash his or her hands frequently, drying them properly each time.

Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your doctor again if: The sores spread or enlarge The impetigo rash has not begun to clear within a few days G Your child develops a fever or starts to pass red- or brown-colored urine
G G

Remind your child not to touch or pick the scabs or suck his or her fingers. Trim his or her nails to help prevent scratching.
G G If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic drug or cream, make sure you give your child the complete course. Do not stop as soon as the impetigo appears to be better. G Keep your child away from other children until there is no longer any crusting over the sores. Your child can then return to school or day care.