Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, often appearing as fluid-filled blisters. For those with shingles, understanding when it’s safe to swim is important for personal healing and public health. This article provides guidance on returning to water activities.
Understanding Shingles and Swimming Safety
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus as chickenpox. After chickenpox, VZV remains inactive in the nervous system and can reactivate years later, causing shingles. This typically manifests as a rash of blisters, often on one side of the body.
The primary concern with swimming is transmitting the virus to others. While shingles is not contagious like chickenpox (which spreads through respiratory droplets), the fluid within shingles blisters contains VZV. Direct contact with this fluid can spread the virus, potentially causing chickenpox in those not immune.
The rash begins as fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry and crust over. The virus is most transmissible when these blisters are open and weeping. Therefore, swimming in communal pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water is not recommended during this phase. Even chlorinated water does not neutralize the varicella-zoster virus, so transmission risk persists.
Swimming with an active shingles rash also poses risks to the individual. Open sores are susceptible to bacterial infections from water sources, and prolonged moisture can hinder healing. Water irritation, especially from chlorinated water, can also increase discomfort and pain, potentially delaying recovery.
When It’s Safe to Return to the Water
Returning to swimming is safe only after the shingles rash has fully healed and no longer poses a transmission risk. All fluid-filled blisters must have dried and completely crusted over, with no new blisters forming. Once lesions are dry and scabbed, the virus is no longer transmissible through the rash fluid.
This process typically takes 7 to 10 days from the rash’s appearance, though complete healing can take 2 to 4 weeks. Ensure no open or weeping lesions remain before entering communal water. Even after crusting, covering visible lesions with a watertight bandage is advisable if swimming, but avoiding it until full healing is preferable.
Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially with lingering complications or unusual symptoms. They can confirm the healing stage and advise on resuming water activities. The type of water (e.g., pool, lake, ocean) is less relevant than the rash’s state; complete drying and crusting of blisters is the primary consideration for safety.