- Asses the patient’s level of discomfort and medicate as prescribed.
- Teach the patient to apply wet dressings and calamine lotion for soothing and cooling effect on inflamed tissue.
- Encourage diversional activities such as meditation or listening to soothing music to relieve the stress of the pain of the patient.
- Teach relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and imagery, to help control pain.
- Apply anti-bacterial ointments (after acute stages) as prescribed to soften and separate adherent crusts and prevent secondary infection.
- Take the medicine for your sores every 4 hours, even during nighttime hours, for 7 days or as prescribed.
- Teach the patient to use proper hand-washing techniques to avoid spreading herpes zoster virus and advise to trim the fingernails short.
- Advise the patient not to open the blister to avoid a secondary infection and scarring.
- Reassure the patient that shingles is a viral infection of the nerves.
- Advice patient to wash any soiled clothes or linens in hot water and soap.
- Try to encourage your patient to eat well since constant pain can affect your patient’s appetite.
