Shingles

• To relieve pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol). When in doubt, follow the advice provided by a pharmacist. 

Caring for the spots

• Wash the spots daily with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. 
• Pat the skin dry. Do not rub. 
• Do not remove firmly attached scabs. Remove only loose scabs that catch on clothing. 
• Cover all spots with a bandage to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to someone else. 

Itchy skin

• Wear loose, soft clothing. 
• For children aged 0 to 2 years: Use mittens as needed to prevent scratching. 
• Apply cold, wet compresses to the skin for 30 to 90 minutes every 2 to 4 hours, as needed.
• Moisturize the skin after a bath or shower, for example with a lanolin-based cream, petroleum jelly, or mineral oil, unless this makes the rash worse. 
• Take a 10- to 30-minute lukewarm bath without soap, bubble bath, or scented products 3 to 4 times a day. 
• If the skin is dry, take only one 10-minute bath a day. 
• If the skin is not dry, add baking soda to the bathwater: 50 to 60 mL for children under 2 years of age, or 250 to 500 mL for adults and children aged 2 years and older. 

Important: Never leave a child unattended in the bath. 

Spots in the mouth

• Rinse the mouth with cold water, as needed. 
• Drink cold fluids. 
• Avoid acidic, spicy, salty, hard, or very hot foods. 
• Brush teeth with a very soft toothbrush. 
• Avoid mouthwash containing alcohol. 
• For young children: Use a cup, spoon, or syringe instead of a bottle because sucking increases mouth pain. 
• For older children: Use a straw. 
• From age 4: Rinse the mouth with a baking soda solution up to 4 times a day. Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup (250 mL) of water that has been boiled for 1 minute and has fully cooled. Use 5 mL each time for children aged 4 to 6 years, 5 to 10 mL for children aged 6 to 12 years, and 15 mL from age 12. 
• Apply an anesthetic gel in the mouth before eating. Ask a pharmacist for advice. 

Important: Anesthetic gel is not recommended for young children. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.

To prevent spreading the infection

• Wash hands often. 
• Do not share items that have been in contact with the sick person’s mouth. 
• Stay home during the most contagious period. 
• Avoid close contact with other people, especially babies, children, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised. 
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.