Lifestyle Changes to Manage Shingles

by Amy Scholten, MPH

En Español (Spanish Version)

Lifestyle changes can help a person cope with shingles. Some examples are:

Activities such as reading or working on a hobby—to distract from the pain
Eating well-balanced meals
Doing light exercises such as walking or stretching—check with the doctor first
Getting plenty of rest
Avoiding stress
Trying some relaxation methods such as meditation or yoga

The chickenpox virus can spread to others until the rash has crusted. It is important to limit contact with certain people during this time. This includes anyone who has not had the chickenpox virus. It also includes those who might have a weak immune system.

REFERENCES:

About shingles (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Herpes zoster. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/herpes-zoster. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Saguil A, Kane S, et al. Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia: prevention and management. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(10):656-663.

Shingles information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Shingles-Information-Page. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Shingles overview. The American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/shingles-overview. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Tips for coping with shingles. National Institute on Aging website. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/shingles#coping. Accessed November 16, 2021.

Last reviewed November 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 11/16/2021

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