Natural Treatment for Shingles

Introduction

Shingles are a type of painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox. The rash in the shingles is usually seen on one side of the body and is present for several weeks. Antiviral medication treats shingles, but many people nowadays look for natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms caused by shingles. Natural remedies help decrease pain, inflammation, and itching and also help in improving the healing process. Popular natural shingle treatments include oatmeal baths, cold compression, application of aloevera gel, vitamin supplements, etc.

What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?

The symptoms of shingles include burning or tingling sensation, pain, sensitivity to touch, red rash, itching, and fluid-filled blisters. Headache, fever, sensitivity to light, and fatigue can also be associated with shingles. Pain is considered to be the first symptom associated with shingles. Sometimes the pain can be very severe.

What Are the Benefits of Natural Treatment in the Case of Shingles?

Natural treatment methods for shingle can give several benefits, which include the following:

• It helps in reducing pain. The use of capsaicin cream, which is a topical ointment can help in decreasing the pain with shingles. Capsaicin is found richly in chilly pepper.

• It helps in improving immunity. Natural supplement remedies like Vitamin D, C, and zinc can help improve the immune system, which is usually worsened due to shingles.

• Some natural remedies have anti-inflammatory properties, which help in decreasing the inflammation. Ginger, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids can help in decreasing inflammation and thereby reduce pain.

• Stress can increase the symptoms of singles. Natural remedies will help in promoting relaxation which helps elevate stress. Yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy help in reducing stress.

• Natural treatments using aloevera gel, colloidal oatmeal bath, and apple cider vinegar can help in softening and soothing the skin which will help in improving the healing of blisters present in the singles.

What Are the Natural Treatment Methods for Shingles?

The natural treatment mothers for shingles include the following:

• Healing Bath - Regular cleaning of the blisters will help in decreasing the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of the body. A cool shower or bath helps to smoothen the skin. The cold water can help in reducing the pain present from the blisters and itching. Dilution of one to two cups of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal into lukewarm bathwater which is kept for 20 minutes for soaking, which is called a healing bath that can decrease the symptoms of shingles. Avoid using a hot water bath as it can worsen the blisters since hot water can increase blood circulation.

• Wet and Cold Compress - Apart from taking a healing bath to reduce the itching and pain from shingles, the application of moist and cold compress can help in relieving the symptoms of singles. Soak a piece of cloth in cold water and apply the cloth several times throughout the day to reduce the blisters and rash associated with shingles. Cold and wet compression can decrease pain. Avoid ice pack application to the rash. The coldness from the ice pack can increase the sensitivity of the skin and can sometimes worsen the pain.

• Cornstarch and Baking Soda Paste - Paste made by mixing baking soda or cornstarch in water can help in reducing the itching produced by shingles. Use two parts of baking soda or cornstarch and one part of water to get the desired consistency of the paste. Apply this paste to the rash and rinse after 15 minutes. Repeat applying this paste several times a day to reduce itching due to the rashes caused by shingles.

• Creams and Lotions - Scratching in the rashes can create scarring and it will prolong the blisters present in the shingles. If the itching and rashes do not reduce after cold compression and a healing bath or using paste with baking soda and cornstarch, then lotions and cream can help in softening the skin. Creams and lotion do not help in healing the rashes. They can help in soothing and softening the skin which will increase comfort. Avoid perfumed or scented lotion. They can create irritation to the skin. Use a limited amount of creams and lotion. Large applications of creams can create a source and will increase the healing process. Creams and lotions containing capsaicin which is the natural ingredient present in chili pepper have very good anti-inflammatory properties which will help in reducing the pain. This work by decreasing the pain signals which are sent to the brain. The calamine lotion can be applied after showers or baths to soothe skin which will prevent irritation and drying of the rashes and blisters.

• Dietary Supplements - A weak immune system will worsen the rashes and blisters and other symptoms present in shingles. Certain dietary changes can help in improving the immune system and prevention of shingles from transferring to other parts of the body. Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and amino acid lysine can help in producing or preventing shingles. Some of the foods that will improve the healing process include yellow and orange fruits, green leafy vegetables, eggs, red meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, beans, legumes, whole grains, tomatoes, and spinach. Some food items that should be avoided during shingles include refined carbohydrates, food, and juices that contain a lot of sugars, food that are rich in saturated fat, and arginine-rich food like chocolate, nuts, and gelatin. Eating this food will worsen the immune system and help the virus to spread to other parts of the body. Food that is rich in arginine can also help in the reproduction of the virus.

• Herbal or Homeopathic Remedies - Herbal or homeopathic remedies help along with conventional treatment to reduce the symptoms of shingles. Homeopathy allows the body to heal by itself. Some herbal medicines and supplement help to fight against the virus which helps in treating insomnia, stress, and anxiety present due to shingles. This includes green tea, melatonin, oregano oil, lemon balm, and essential fatty acids.

Conclusion:

Natural remedies help in reducing the symptoms associated with shingles. Antiviral medications are considered the first-line treatment for singles. Natural treatment methods can be used in combination with antiviral medication to reduce discomfort, pain and increase the healing process. Always consult a qualified health professional before starting natural treatment methods, if any medical conditions are present. With the help of antiviral medications and natural treatment, the symptoms of shingles can be managed easily.