Sauna and Shingles: What You Need to Know

No. People with shingles should not use saunas. Heat can cause the virus that causes shingles to reactivate, leading to a flare-up of the rash and other symptoms. Additionally, the warm, moist environment of a sauna is an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive. This means that people with shingles are at an increased risk of developing an infection if they use a sauna.

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in their nerve roots. In some people, the virus may reactivate later in life, causing shingles.

Symptoms of shingles include:

* A painful rash

* Blisters

* Fever

* Chills

* Headache

* Fatigue

Shingles is typically treated with antiviral medications, pain relievers, and calamine lotion. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.