Baths
Although it might seem like a nice, hot bath would help with nerve pain, in the case of shingles, your best bet is a cool soak in the tub. It’s not only soothing to the blisters, but also offers a prime chance to keep the rash clean, which will encourage better healing. While most topical products for shingles have a restriction on the number of uses per day, baths are an unlimited tool for remedying itchy, painful skin caused by shingles. Taking a cool bath with starch in it will also help dry out the blisters, sooth your skin, and relieve itching. Epsom salt is another soothing ingredient for bath time.
An oatmeal bath is a soothing, drying option as well. There are several packaged options for oatmeal baths, or you can make your own. Do not use pre-flavored oatmeal, as the sugar and flavoring will likely irritate your skin further. Opt for a large package of plain rolled oats, and grind them down to a powder. Combine the powder with warm water to create a smooth, milk-colored bath. As a bonus, any leftover dust can be used to sprinkle over shingles blisters to help keep them dry and prevent them from sticking to clothes or bed sheets.
Did you know...
- There are many factors that contribute to your body odor, but one of the strongest links is our diet. This may be some bad news for meat-lovers because many studies have shown that those who refrained from or ate less red meat were judged as being more pleasant smelling. The meat sweats are real, and they don’t smell great!
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.