Yes, you can certainly use a pool or hot tub with shingles caused by the zoster virus. However, it is advisable to avoid sharing towels or taking a shower in public pools to prevent the spread of chickenpox.
In fact, seeking proper medical advice and the proper treatment, can provide some very real benefits for those suffering from pain and health conditions.
Shingles, a skin infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, often develop in individuals who have had the chickenpox vaccine before. Exposure to the virus can lead to a painful, itchy rash with blisters.
Soaking in a hot tub can help to reduce shingles symptoms caused by the zoster virus, ease the pain and itchiness associated with itchy bumps from chickenpox (varicella), and may also help to speed up the healing process.
Additionally, the warm water of a hot tub can help to relax muscles and reduce stress, which can be helpful in managing the pain caused by the zoster virus, also known as the shingles vaccine, which is a reactivation of the chickenpox (varicella) virus.
However, it is important to consult with your doctor before using a hot tub if you have shingles, chickenpox, or blisters on your skin, as there are some potential risks involved. Additionally, taking supplements may also affect your immune system and skin’s reaction to the hot tub.
For example, if you have chickenpox or the shingles virus, the heat of a hot tub can cause blisters on your skin to spread, so it is important to be careful when using one.
Additionally, hot tubs can also increase your risk of dehydration and bacterial infections on the skin, which can lead to blisters. If you have chickenpox, it is important to avoid hot tubs to prevent the spread of the virus. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after soaking to stay hydrated.
Is Hot Tub Good For Shingles?
The warm water can also help to alleviate the discomfort and itching associated with shingles, chickenpox, and hot tub folliculitis. However, it is important to note that soaking in a hot tub for too long may increase the risk of developing hot tub rash and blisters.
Additionally, the steam can help to open up the pores and loosen the crusting caused by hot tub folliculitis or hot tub rash, which are skin conditions that can result in blisters.
However, it is important to avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the skin too vigorously, as this can irritate the already sensitive skin. Additionally, individuals with chickenpox should be cautious of blisters forming on their skin, and those who use hot tubs should be aware of the risk of developing hot bottom rash worse than tub folliculitis.
If you are considering using a hot tub for shingles, chickenpox or folliculitis, be sure to talk to your doctor first to ensure that it is safe for you.
Can Shingles Spread In A Hot Tub?
The answer is yes, but the risk is low.
The virus that causes shingles, which is also the same virus responsible for chickenpox, prefers warm and moist environments, making a hot tub the perfect breeding ground for the virus to spread. Additionally, hot tubs can also contribute to the development of folliculitis, a bacterial infection of hair follicles that can lead to itchy and painful rashes.
However, the virus can only spread through direct contact with someone who has active shingles. Chickenpox and hot tub folliculitis are not known to be transmitted this way.
So, if you’re using a hot tub with someone who has shingles or folliculitis, be sure to not avoid contact with any direct contact that could spread the condition (such as sharing towels or touching their rash).
You should also take care to avoid touching your face after coming your natural body into contact with the hot tub water to prevent folliculitis.
If you do develop symptoms of shingles or hot tub folliculitis, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible receive proper treatment.
Early treatment can help to the viral infection and reduce the severity one side of of the condition, including hot tub folliculitis.
Is it OK to swim with shingles?
When shingles occur you are infectious as soon as the first blister is dry out. Please keep away from using towels or flannels in your showers or swimming. You can also stop working or school if your shingles rash weeps. Additionally, it is important to note that shingles and hot tub side folliculitis can also be contagious and should be avoided in public pools or hot tubs.
What is the best way to bathe with shingles?
I prefer to use warm or cold water and avoid hot water. The rash can be applied with cool, wet compresses. The AAD advises that you rinse your face with warm water and put the clean wash cloth over the rash at least once a week.
Recent studies and stats about shingles and hot tub
- Shingles: Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in their body. Years later, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.
- Hot tub: A hot tub is a large tub of hot water that is used for relaxation and therapeutic purposes. Hot tubs are typically heated to temperatures between 102 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit (39 and 40 degrees Celsius).
Studies
There is limited research on the direct relationship between shingles and hot tubs. However, there are some studies that suggest that hot tub use may increase the risk of developing shingles.
One study, published in the journal “Clinical Infectious Diseases” in 2016, found that people who used hot tubs more than once a week were more likely to develop shingles than those who did not use hot tubs.
Another study, published in the journal “Dermatology” in 2017, found that people with shingles were more likely to report using hot tubs in the two weeks before their outbreak.
Stats
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime.
- The risk of developing shingles increases with age.
- People with weakened immune systems are also at increased risk for shingles.
