Shingles - any contras?

[pelan-pelan]

Am getting over shingles. Hoping to go diving. Anyone know of any contra-indications for shingles? Apart from "Don't overdo it and get plenty of rest".

 

[crpntr133]

Avoid stress!!! When I had them my doc told me that it was basically and infection of the nerve endings. I was given a cream, don't remember what and told to avoid stress.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi pelan-pelan,

No fun.

You do not indicate what stage you are at in getting over your bout.

The diver with a resolving case of "shingles" will want to make sure that any residual pain or discomfort does not interfere with meeting the full range of demands that scuba can present. And they will want to do so without the use of analgesic medications that may adversely impact alertness or higher cognitive functions.

It probably also is a good idea to protect the affected area of skin from u/v exposure and mechanical irritation from dive gear and exposure suits.

Finally, the area should be carefully watched for signs of infection.

The physician who treated you would be a good source of information on return to scuba.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[shakeybrainsurgeon]

I would wait until all vesicles have burst and scabbed closed to 1) prevent bacterial superinfection and 2) avoid infecting others... most people have had chicken pox, but you can't be sure. The vesicles contain live virus.

 

[knotical]

You’ve gotten the correct answers of course from two of the physicians on the board. So here’s an anecdote: I went diving a month after onset of shingles (our trip was already planned and paid for). I simply wore a dive skin under my wetsuit to cover the ugly. I had no problem, and it seemed that the exposure to salt water helped, but of course that might have been in my head.

 

[fisherdvm]

Skin over previous shingles is more sensitive to abrasion and irritation. Some patients complain of "acne" or low grade folliculitis after she shingles resolve. You might avoid injuring the area by wearing a protective suit while diving. You might want to cover it with a thin layer of petroleum jelly before a dive, and perhaps daily if dryness and irritation is a problem.

 

[pelan-pelan]

Thanks - this all sounds sensible. Mild attack this time. No creams or pills. No stress - don't do diving and stress anytime anywhere. Comments on cross-infection taken on board.

And hope diving will alleviate symptoms. Many years ago had cut on foot which was bleeding slightly. Went for a walk along the sea-line where the sand is firm (yeah, sandals, stonefish are another "don't do") and had sea washing over feet from time to time. Three hours later there was no cut on the foot. Healed over.

And general advice to anyone - please make shingles a "don't do". You don't want membership of this club.