Recommendations for Family Members
First, you should know that this is an
extremely hard and painful time for your family member. They may not have
all the answers and there may be time when they need your help but do not know
how to ask for it. There are a number of things you can do to help your
family member and a number of things to know to help you prepare yourself as
well.
Shingles is contagious. It can be
spread to any child or adult who has not had chickenpox. Instead of
getting shingles, however, those who have been infected will get chickenpox.
Those who have previously had chickenpox though cannot catch the shingles
virus. Please be aware, though, that anyone who has had chickenpox has
the potential to develop the shingles later in life, though not by contracting
it.
If your loved one is in a senior living
center, make sure the staff members are looking out for signs of a shingles
outbreak. This could include itching, burning, or numbness of the skin, a
tingling sensation, painful pus-filled blisters, rashes, chills, fevers,
headaches, or an upset stomach. There is usually a pattern to developing
shingles and the first sign is typically feeling a tingling or burning
sensation on their skin followed by the development of a rash. The rash
will then turn to blisters which will eventually dry and turn to a scab.
Though shingles can be very painful, and
typically last 3-5 weeks, there are a number of things you can do to help your
loved one. Make sure they are getting enough rest as possible and eating
plenty of meals. Also make sure they are in a stress-free environment as
stress has been known to cause shingles and can extend the life of the virus.
Applying a cool washcloth to the blisters will not only help dry the
blisters up but will also help to relieve the pain they are causing.
Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths have also been known to help
with the pain. Over the counter medications may be available but it is
always best to consult with your family member's physician before recommending
something. Their physician may have already prescribed medications to
help and if that is the case, you should ask for the details so that you can be
there to help your loved one take the medication should they need it.
Walking and stretching can also help, and
doing activities to take their mind off of the pain and discomfort can help as
well. Watching TV, reading books together, sharing stories, working on
hobbies together or talking with friends are all activities that can help not
only relieve stress but ease discomfort. Encourage your family member to
talk to you about the pain, how they are feeling, and what they are thinking.
This will not only help them to relax but it will help you better
understand how to help your loved one. Having them open up and tell you
the specifics about the pain they are feeling can help you to assess their
needs.
Shingles can be an extremely tough time for all individuals, but especially for those who are experiencing the infection. Not only is it painful and hard to manage by oneself, but it can cause embarrassment and a sense of helplessness. Please remember to be patient and understanding as well as helpful during this tough time. Your family member and loved one will be thankful that you took the time to be there for them.
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