Shingles is a painful condition caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. Though it often manifests itself as a blistering skin rash, it is actually a condition of the nervous system. In addition to skin irritation, shingles is incredibly painful. While shingles can occur on any part of the body, it is common and particularly uncomfortable on both the scalp and eyelids. Thankfully, there are a variety of different methods to treat shingles on your eyelids and scalp.
Instructions
1. See your doctor. Shingles on your eyelids are particularly dangerous. If it is left untreated, the virus can damage your eyes and even cause blindness. Antiviral medications are commonly prescribed to treat shingles and they must be taken within 72 hours of the blister formation.
2. Talk to your doctor about prescription topical creams. Local anesthetic creams will soothe your blistered skin and ease shingles' pain. Do not apply over-the-counter creams as they may react poorly with the blisters. While you can apply such creams liberally to your scalp, be careful with application on your eyelids. You must keep the cream out of your eyes to avoid unpleasant and debilitating eye irritation.
3. Take an anti-inflammatory medication. Pills such as aspirin and ibuprofen are available over-the-counter at most grocery and drug stores. The medicine will help to reduce inflammation on your eyelids and scalp. It will also decrease pain from the shingles.
4. Apply a cool compress to your eyelids and scalp. Soak a clean washcloth in ice water and apply it to the affected areas. Leave the compress on your scalp and eyelids for about ten minutes. Wait five minutes and then repeat the application.
5. Rest. As shingles attacks your nervous system, it is far more than just a skin condition. You must get plenty of rest in order to bolster your immune system and aid recovery.
6. Try herbal remedies. Arsenicum album is used to treat shingles' pain and aid in skin's recovery process. It is available in oral and topical forms at most health and homeopathic stores. Clematis erecta and rhux toxicodendron are other herbal remedies commonly used to treat shingles.
Tags: your eyelids, eyelids scalp, treat shingles, your eyelids scalp, compress your, herbal remedies, nervous system