Ways to help

✢ Analgesia: Take regular paracetamol, codeine or ibuprofen. A cool compress (or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel) eases pain and itchiness.

✢ Hygiene: Keep the rash clean and dry, using a non-sticky dressing to reduce infection risk. Wear loosefitting clothing that won’t rub on the blisters.

✢ Don’t let dressings or plasters stick to the rash. Keep them dry and dispose of them hygienically, preferably by burning them. Don’t use antibiotic cream.

✢ You are especially infectious if the rash is still oozing fluid and cannot be covered, but dry scabs can contain some virus particles too.