What are the best natural remedies for shingles. How can you alleviate shingles symptoms at home. Which foods should you eat and avoid when dealing with shingles. How long does shingles typically last.

Understanding Shingles: Causes, Symptoms, and Duration

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. This condition typically affects individuals who have had chickenpox in the past, as the virus can lie dormant in the body and reactivate later in life.

The primary symptoms of shingles include:

• Painful rash
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Fever
• Sensitivity to light
• Fatigue

How long does shingles typically last? The shingles virus can persist for two to six weeks. While not life-threatening, some individuals may experience postherpetic neuralgia, a condition where nerve damage causes pain to continue for weeks or months after the rash has cleared.

Cool Baths and Compresses: Soothing Relief for Shingles

One of the most effective natural remedies for shingles is the use of cool baths and compresses. How can these methods help alleviate shingles symptoms?

Cool Baths for Shingles Relief

Taking a cool bath or shower can provide significant relief from the pain and itchiness associated with shingles blisters. The coolness of the water helps soothe the skin and reduce discomfort. For enhanced healing properties, consider adding 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch to lukewarm bathwater and soaking for 15 to 20 minutes.

Important note: Avoid using hot water, as it can worsen shingles blisters by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Cool Compresses for Pain Relief

Applying a cool, moist compress to the affected area can provide immediate relief from shingles pain and itchiness. To create a compress:

1. Soak a clean cloth in cool water
2. Wring out excess water
3. Gently apply the cloth to the rash and blisters
4. Repeat the process several times throughout the day as needed

While cool compresses are beneficial, it’s important to avoid applying ice packs directly to the rash, as extreme cold can increase skin sensitivity and exacerbate pain.

Natural Pastes and Lotions: Itch Relief for Shingles

When dealing with the persistent itching caused by shingles, natural pastes and lotions can offer significant relief. What are some effective options for soothing shingles-related itching?

Cornstarch or Baking Soda Paste

Creating a simple paste using cornstarch or baking soda can help alleviate itching associated with shingles. To make this natural remedy:

1. Mix two parts cornstarch or baking soda with one part water
2. Apply the paste to the affected area
3. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes
4. Rinse off gently
5. Repeat as needed throughout the day

Soothing Lotions and Creams

While lotions and creams don’t accelerate the healing process, they can significantly increase comfort levels for those suffering from shingles. When selecting a lotion or cream:

• Choose unscented or fragrance-free options to avoid further irritation
• Apply sparingly to allow sores to dry out and heal
• Consider products containing capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, which has anti-inflammatory properties
• Use calamine lotion after bathing to soothe irritated skin and help dry out blisters

It’s important to note that while these remedies can provide relief, they should be used in moderation to avoid prolonging the healing process.

Dietary Adjustments: Boosting Immunity to Fight Shingles

A strong immune system is crucial in combating shingles and preventing its spread to other parts of the body. How can dietary changes help strengthen your immune system and promote healing?

Foods to Boost Immune Function

Incorporating certain nutrients into your diet can help strengthen your immune system and support the healing process. Focus on foods rich in vitamins A, B-12, C, and E, as well as the amino acid lysine. Beneficial foods include:

• Orange and yellow fruits
• Leafy green vegetables
• Red meat
• Eggs
• Chicken
• Wild-caught fish
• Dairy products
• Whole grains
• Legumes and beans
• Tomatoes
• Spinach

Foods to Avoid During Shingles

While dealing with shingles, it’s important to avoid certain foods that may exacerbate symptoms or hinder the healing process. Foods to limit or avoid include:

• Foods and juices high in sugar
• Arginine-rich foods (such as chocolate, gelatin, and some nuts)
• Highly processed or refined foods
• Excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol

By making these dietary adjustments, you can support your body’s natural healing processes and potentially reduce the severity and duration of shingles symptoms.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy for Shingles Relief

Essential oils and aromatherapy can offer natural relief for shingles symptoms. How can these natural remedies be incorporated into a shingles treatment plan?

Beneficial Essential Oils for Shingles

Several essential oils have antiviral and pain-relieving properties that may help alleviate shingles symptoms:

• Peppermint oil: Known for its cooling effect and pain-relieving properties
• Eucalyptus oil: Offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits
• Tea tree oil: Possesses antiviral and antiseptic qualities
• Lavender oil: Promotes relaxation and may help reduce pain and inflammation

When using essential oils, always dilute them with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil before applying to the skin. Perform a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.

Aromatherapy for Stress Reduction

Stress can exacerbate shingles symptoms and slow down the healing process. Aromatherapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Consider using the following methods:

• Diffusing calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile in your living space
• Adding a few drops of essential oil to a warm (not hot) bath
• Using a personal inhaler with a blend of soothing essential oils

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating essential oils into your shingles treatment, especially if you have sensitive skin or are taking other medications.

Stress Management Techniques for Shingles Recovery

Stress can significantly impact the immune system and potentially worsen shingles symptoms. What stress management techniques can help support recovery from shingles?

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being during shingles recovery. Consider the following techniques:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Guided imagery meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Mindful body scans

Even dedicating just 10-15 minutes a day to these practices can make a significant difference in managing stress and supporting the healing process.

Gentle Exercise and Movement

While it’s important to avoid strenuous activity during shingles recovery, gentle exercise can help reduce stress and boost overall health. Consider incorporating the following into your routine:

• Gentle stretching
• Tai Chi
• Restorative yoga
• Short, leisurely walks in nature

Always listen to your body and avoid any movements that cause pain or discomfort in the affected areas.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Shingles Support

Certain herbs and supplements may offer support for the immune system and help alleviate shingles symptoms. Which natural remedies show promise in managing shingles?

Immune-Boosting Herbs

Several herbs are known for their immune-enhancing properties and may be beneficial during shingles recovery:

• Echinacea: Supports overall immune function
• Astragalus: May help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation
• Licorice root: Possesses antiviral properties
• Lemon balm: Known for its antiviral effects, particularly against herpes viruses

Before using any herbal remedies, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual situation.

Supportive Supplements

Certain supplements may help support the immune system and potentially reduce the severity of shingles symptoms:

• Vitamin C: Supports immune function and has antiviral properties
• Vitamin D: Plays a crucial role in immune health
• Zinc: Important for immune system function and wound healing
• L-lysine: An amino acid that may help inhibit viral replication

As with any supplement regimen, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Shingles

While natural remedies can provide relief for many shingles symptoms, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. When should you consult a healthcare professional for shingles?

Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Seek medical care promptly if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Rash or blisters near the eyes, ears, or mouth
• Signs of infection, such as fever, increased redness, or pus
• Rash covering a large area of the body
• Persistent symptoms lasting longer than three weeks
• Symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia (ongoing pain after the rash has healed)

Antiviral Medications for Shingles

While natural remedies can provide relief, antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor can help shorten the duration of shingles and reduce symptom severity. These medications are most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash’s appearance. Common antiviral drugs for shingles include:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir

Your healthcare provider can determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual case and medical history.

By combining natural remedies with proper medical care when necessary, individuals suffering from shingles can find relief from symptoms and support their body’s healing process. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen, especially when dealing with a condition like shingles.

6 Natural Treatments for Shingles

Shingles is an uncomfortable viral condition caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. While there is no cure, several natural remedies can offer relief from symptoms.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The varicella zoster (VZV) virus causes this viral infection. It’s the same virus that causes chickenpox.

If you had chickenpox as a child, the shingles virus lies dormant in your body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause a shingles rash. The rash can occur on any part of your body but typically only affects small sections.

Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. The rash and fluid-filled blisters form within a couple of days after the onset of pain. Some people with shingles also have a fever, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime.

The shingles virus can last between two and six weeks. Shingles isn’t life-threatening, but some people experience postherpetic neuralgia. This is when nerve fibers become damaged, causing shingles pain that lasts for weeks or months after the rash clears.

There’s no cure for shingles, but your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the virus and reduce symptoms.

Although an antiviral is an effective treatment for shingles, it’s not the only option. Several natural remedies may also reduce pain and discomfort.

Daily cleansing of the blisters reduces the risk of spreading the infection. Take a cool bath or shower to soothe skin. The coolness of the water can ease pain from shingles blisters and calm itchiness.

You can also take a healing bath to reduce symptoms. Pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch into lukewarm bathwater and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use hot water. Hot water can worsen shingles blisters because heat increases blood flow.

Dry your body completely and then wash your towel to avoid spreading the virus to others.

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In addition to taking a bath to relieve pain and itchiness associated with a shingles rash, apply a cool, moist compress. Do this several times throughout the day to relieve symptoms. Soak a cloth in cool water, wring out the water, and apply the cloth to the rash and blisters.

The coolness of the compress can reduce pain. Repeat the process as often as you need. Do not apply an ice pack to the rash. The coldness may increase skin sensitivity and worsen pain.

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Create a paste using cornstarch or baking soda and water to naturally relieve itching caused by a shingles rash.

Pour two parts cornstarch or baking soda into a cup. Add one part water to get the desired consistency for the paste. Apply the mixture to your rash. Rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat several times a day as needed.

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Scratching a shingles rash can cause scarring and prolong blisters. If itching doesn’t improve after a healing bath, a cool compress, or a baking soda or cornstarch mixture, use soothing lotions and creams.

Lotions and creams don’t speed up the healing process, but they can increase your comfort level. Avoid scented or perfumed lotions. They can cause further irritation.

Use lotions and creams sparingly. Heavy application can keep sores from drying out and lengthen the healing process. For the same reasons, don’t use antibiotic ointments on the sores.

If you decide to use creams or lotions, it would be more effective if you applied one containing the natural ingredient capsaicin, up to three or four times per day. This is the active ingredient in chili peppers.

Capsaicin has an anti-inflammatory effect to help ease pain. Pain may increase after initially applying the cream, but it’ll slowly go away. This cream works by reducing pain signals sent to your brain.

Additionally, you can apply calamine lotion after baths and showers to soothe irritated skin and help dry out blisters.

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A weakened immune system worsens shingles. Some dietary changes can strengthen your immune system and prevent shingles from spreading to other parts of your body. Take steps to boost the function of your immune system by eating certain foods and avoiding others.

A shingles diet consists of foods with vitamins A, B-12, C, and E, and the amino acid lysine. Foods that promote healing include:

• orange and yellow fruits
• leafy green vegetables
• red
  meat
• eggs
• chicken
• wild-caught fish
• dairy
• whole
  grains
• legumes
• beans
• tomatoes
• spinach

As you heal and cope with the effects of shingles, you might crave comfort foods. However, you should avoid certain foods if you have shingles. Foods to avoid include:

• food and juices with high amounts of sugar
• arginine-rich foods (including chocolate,
  gelatin, and nuts)
• refined
  carbohydrates
• foods high in saturated
  fat

Eating too much of these foods can weaken the immune system and potentially prolong the virus. Foods with high levels of arginine can even cause the virus to reproduce.

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You might consider homeopathic remedies along with conventional therapy to help with your shingles symptoms. Homeopathy is an alternative medicine that embraces the approach of allowing the body to heal itself.

Currently, there’s little scientific evidence that supports the use of homeopathic medicine as a treatment for any condition. Additionally, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the safety or efficacy of any homeopathic remedies.

If you’re considering using any homeopathic remedies, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Some supplements and herbal medicines may also help your body fight the virus, and treat insomnia and anxiety due to shingles. These include:

• melatonin
• St.
  John’s Wort
• oregano oil
• Echinacea
• lemon balm
• green
  tea
• essential
  fatty acids

Consult your doctor before taking any supplements. Be sure you have the correct diagnosis. If your condition worsens, seek immediate medical care.

Understand that natural remedies don’t work for everyone. Even if you find an effective natural remedy, there’s no cure for shingles. The virus has to run its course.

However, nonconventional remedies may decrease your discomfort and irritation — and speed the healing process — when used in conjunction with conventional therapy.

Natural Remedies to Shingles Pain & Outbreaks — Amazing-Solutions.com

Shingles pain can be excruciating. Thankfully, most people who experience a shingles outbreak only do so one time. However, others have recurrences. There is no cure for shingles, but there are antiviral medications that can speed the healing process. Shingles vaccination also is available to adults aged 50 and older to help prevent initial outbreaks among those at the highest risk for them.

Modern medicine is not the only solution for treating shingles pain and preventing future outbreaks. Naturopaths and doctors agree that natural treatments for shingles can help with both discomfort and relapses. If you’re among the people who prefer natural alternatives for treating common conditions, this article provides information on the most effective natural treatments for shingles.

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Individuals who recover from chickenpox can have the virus lay dormant in their systems for years. Doctors don’t know why, but roughly 1 out of every 3 people who had chickenpox later have the virus reactivate as shingles.

How Common is Shingles?

Many people don’t think about shingles until it affects them personally. The truth is shingles is far more common than you may realize. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 million people suffer from this debilitating and painful condition each year. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox – even a mild case of it 40 years ago – can have the VZV reactivate  as shingles. Most Americans born before 1980 have had chickenpox and therefore are at high risk of developing shingles. More than half of all shingles cases happen in people over 60. The risk for serious complications from shingles also increases with age. 

The first sign of a shingles outbreak usually is a burning pain or itching around one side of the waist. Some individuals experience burning or itching on the side of their face near their eye or forehead. After a few days of these warning signs, a rash of fluid-filled blisters appears in the affected area. It can take a few weeks for the blisters to resolve.

For 1 out of 10 people, nerve pain – postherpetic neuralgia – can last for months or even years after the initial outbreak. It is one of the most common shingles complications. Age increases the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.

Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?

Unfortunately, yes. Shingles can recur in some people, although doctors are not entirely certain what makes one person more susceptible to a repeat outbreak than another. Medical professionals originally thought that reoccurrences were rare, but now know that they happen in more than 5 percent of shingles sufferers. Your risk for developing a second round of this painful virus increases with age.

Doctor Recommendations for Shingles

Most doctors recommend the shingles vaccine to prevent an initial outbreak. Medical trials suggest the shingles vaccine is about 85 percent effective for the first four years after vaccination. The CDC has determined that individuals who receive both doses of the vaccine, at the recommended 2 to 6 months between injections, have the most protection. Even if a breakthrough shingles infection occurs, vaccinated adults have less severe symptoms, according to the CDC.

Medical practitioners treat active shingles outbreaks with antiviral medications specifically designed to fight the varicella zoster virus. Prescription medications focus on addressing shingles pain and the itching associated with the condition. There is no cure for shingles, only treatment to relieve the symptoms.

Some doctors also recommend using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Sometimes physicians prescribe narcotics or steroids to treat the pain and antihistamines for the itching. All medications work best when started within two days of the rash first appearing.

Natural Treatments for Shingles

Natural treatments for shingles can be just as effective as over-the-counter and prescription medications when used correctly. Not only can these alternative treatments provide natural pain relief for shingles, but they also can boost your immune system to help protect against future outbreaks. Here are some effective natural treatments for shingles that produce immediate results.

• Apply calamine lotion, calendula cream, and Aveeno baths to soothe the itch and discomfort of the blisters that erupt as part of the shingles skin rash.
• Avoid scratching the blisters because if they break, they can become infected. Then, antibiotics may be necessary, and you can end up with scarring on your skin.
• Try an herbal roll-on shingles pain relief to combat the severity of the discomfort and itching. Those with postherpetic neuralgia from shingles may find all-nature Premiere’s Pain Spray Mist or Roll-On a comforting solution for temporary pain relief. Lidocaine skin patches also can help with shingles pain but can be applied only four times a day.
• Rent a TENS unit or buy one if you can’t find any rentals available in your area. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) can block pain signals from reaching your brain by delivering a mild, pain-free electrical current through your skin. They have been shown to offer effective treatment for nerve pain associated with shingles.
• Soak in a cool bath to ease shingles pain. Soaking in a tub full of cool water for several minutes can help relieve the itching and intense discomfort. Avoid using cold water because it can cause more pain. Be careful to dry off completely afterward to prevent further drying of your skin. Any towels that contact oozing blisters must be immediately washed to avoid transmitting the virus to others. If you don’t want to soak in the tub, you alternatively can apply cool compresses or ice packs to affected areas for up to 20 minutes.
• Spray apple vinegar solution on affected areas for natural pain relief for shingles and to help control the itching. Never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the area. Be sure to mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per cup of water. Alternatively, you can add one-half to one cup of apple cider vinegar directly to bathwater.
• Use a natural antidepressant like St. John’s Wort. Studies suggest that enhancing serotonin levels in the brain can reduce your pain perception. This may be especially useful for those suffering from postherpetic neuralgia or shingles pain that lasts for weeks or months.

Shingles is a serious medical condition. Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you have it before using any natural treatments for shingles.

Natural Remedies to Prevent a Shingles Outbreak

If you were born before 1980, your chances of experiencing a shingles outbreak are unfortunately high. Getting vaccinated can help with an initial resurgence of the virus, but it may not prevent a second – or third – outbreak in the future. Effective natural treatments for shingles can reduce your risk of being revisited by this painful skin condition.

1. Keep your immune system strong
   Taking a high-quality probiotic can boost your immune response and keep the varicella zoster virus suppressed. Choosing a liquid gel capsule version like Bio-K+ is your best option. Also consider adding foods to your diet that are natural sources of probiotics, including kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
2. Get regular physical exercise
   Having a robust white blood cell count can help ward off any resurgence of the varicella zoster virus within your system. White blood cells are part of the lymphatic system. They move through your body in search of foreign invaders like viruses, launching an immune attack when they discover any. Research suggests exercise helps build your white blood cell count.
3. Take a Vitamin C Supplement
   Vitamin C can’t directly stop a shingles outbreak. However it can reduce the likelihood you will develop postherpetic neuralgia. Research has shown that people deficient in Vitamin C at the time of a shingles outbreak are more likely to develop intense nerve pain.
4. Try a natural tranquilizer
   Psychological stress is a contributing factor in shingles recurrence because it can weaken the immune system. It can be nearly impossible to eliminate every source of stress in your life. Using a natural tranquilizer like the RELAX Pocket Inhaler can calm frazzled nerves and soothe away your worries. RELAX uses the power of aromatherapy to promote natural stress relief.

A Final Word on Natural Pain Relief for Shingles

Shingles pain can be debilitating, but there are things you can do to prevent outbreaks. Get your shingles booster and keep your immune system strong. If you do become the unfortunate host of this unwelcome visitor, natural treatment for shingles can help keep your shingles pain in check until the rash subsides.

Stay well, friends!

Shingles – home treatment

Contents

• The essence of the pathology
• Rules and recommendations for the treatment of herpes zoster at home
• Traditional medicine methods
• Medications
• What not to do with herpes zoster

Herpes zoster is an infectious disease caused by the herpes virus. Treatment is carried out in inpatient and outpatient settings, depending on the severity. For the treatment of herpes zoster at home, drugs and traditional medicine are used.

The essence of the pathology

Herpes zoster is a type of herpetic infection that mainly has skin manifestations. The disease is caused by the same type of virus as chicken pox. If a person has ever had chickenpox, the herpes virus in his body remains forever. It settles in the nerve nodes and does not manifest itself until a person maintains sufficient immunity.

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When a stressful situation arises, with a serious illness, hypothermia, the immune system weakens, and the chickenpox and herpes zoster virus activates. Pathology often occurs in adults. Shingles is characterized by the appearance of specific rashes on those areas of the skin that correspond to infected nerve fibers.

Eruptions are small clustered vesicles with a clear liquid inside. More often they are located on the body, as if encircling it – hence the name of the disease. But rashes can also appear on the head, limbs, buttocks. The affected skin turns red, there is a pronounced itching of these areas. Quite intense musculoskeletal pain caused by damage to nerve fibers is characteristic.

The disease lasts for 7-14 days, after which the blisters gradually dry out, forming crusts, and then areas of depigmentation. These traces persist for several years. Pain can also persist for 6-12 months. Shingles is treated at home, and in severe cases with extensive rashes, hospitalization in the infectious diseases department is indicated.

Photo No. 1 – a rash with herpes zoster, photo No. 2 – herpes zoster in the intercostal zone.

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Rules and recommendations in the treatment of herpes enclosing herpes at home

In order to effectively carry out the treatment of girdle lichen at home, some rules must be observed:

• The home treatment is subject to mild forms of enclosure – without pronounced intoxication, with limited rashes;
• complex treatment should be used – drugs with antiviral action, traditional medicine, regimen;
• treatment is carried out strictly in the indicated dosages and in compliance with the recommended duration of taking the drugs;
• if the patient’s condition worsens with herpes zoster or if there is no positive effect within three days, you should consult a doctor.

Shingles can lead to serious complications, so even home treatment is carried out according to medical recommendations.

Traditional medicine methods

There are quite a lot of alternative methods of treatment of herpes zoster, since this disease has been known since ancient times. A variety of internal and external agents are used, however, they are not able to fully replace antiviral drugs. In this case, the specifics of the use of traditional medicine is such that it has an auxiliary value.

Home treatment of herpes zoster using traditional medicine can speed up the healing process of rashes with herpes zoster, reduce the severity of intoxication and itching. However, the main therapy still remains the use of a course of direct antiviral drugs.

The person must stay in a separate room where wet cleaning and airing is carried out daily. Bed rest is prescribed until the fever stops. Every two days it is necessary to change bed and underwear. A light milk-vegetarian diet, plentiful acidified drink is prescribed.

Treatment of herpes at home can be carried out not only in adults, but also in children, but it requires a consultation with a pediatrician and an assessment of the severity of the child’s condition.

Outdoor products

The purpose of treatment with folk remedies for external use in herpes zoster is to reduce skin itching, disinfection and drying of rashes.

Table. Folk recipes for skin treatment with herpes zoster.

is added

Preparation	How to use	Effect
Wormwood compress
One teaspoon of dry herb is poured into 100 ml of vodka. Insist a week in a dark place	Moisten a piece of gauze with tincture, apply to rashes for half an hour	Eliminates itching, has an antiseptic effect
Burdock compress
Grind dried burdock leaves. Take a tablespoon of herbs, pour 100 ml of water. Bring to a boil over low heat	Moisten a piece of cloth with the decoction, apply to the rashes until the cloth is completely dry	Burdock treatment helps relieve itching, speeds up skin healing, speeds up skin healing
Garlic tincture with castor oil
Take a few cloves of garlic, grate them on a fine grater. Add 50 ml castor oil, put in the oven for 2 hours at 80 degrees	Used to lubricate affected areas of the skin	Antiviral and antipruritic
Calendula and meadowsweet tincture
A tablespoon of each herb is poured into 500 ml of vodka. Insist for a week in a dark place	Lubricates rashes at bedtime	Antipruritic
Acetic compress
You need to take 6% vinegar, moisten a gauze napkin in it and wring it out well	Apply a vinegar cloth to rashes	Helps relieve itching, redness of the skin
Cabbage leaf compress
Take a fresh cabbage leaf, mash it slightly to release the juice	Apply the sheet to the affected area, fix with a cloth. Keep two hours	Cabbage juice cools inflamed skin, relieves itching
Agave and honey ointment
You will need 10 g of honey and the same amount of aloe leaf juice. Mix components, heat in a water bath	Apply the mixture to the affected skin, leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse gently with cool water	Honey and aloe juice reduce inflammation, have a softening and antipruritic effect
Herbal ointment
Contains celery juice, carrot juice, chopped parsley. All components are taken in equal amounts, mixed and butter	Apply the ointment to the affected skin before going to bed	Relieves itching, reduces inflammation
Eucalyptus Lotion
You will need eucalyptus extract diluted 1:1 with water	Lubricate the skin at the site of the rash with the solution	Relieves itching, has antiseptic properties
Honey and garlic lotion
Mash two cloves of garlic, add a tablespoon of honey and mix well	Apply to the lesion, cover with a clean cloth, leave for 20 minutes	Reduces itching and swelling
Mint Lotions
A handful of fresh mint, chopped, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for half an hour	Soak a gauze pad in the infusion, apply to the affected areas until the tissue dries	Peppermint treatment eliminates itching and discomfort
Tea tree oil
Ready product available at the pharmacy	A few drops of oil are applied pointwise to the bubbles	Dries, disinfects, eliminates itching

It should be remembered that the constituent components of these folk remedies for herpes zoster can cause allergic reactions, so they should be used with caution, always specifying the presence of individual intolerance.

Oral remedies

In the treatment of herpes zoster, folk remedies are also taken orally. They are used to eliminate intoxication, reduce temperature, with the aim of general strengthening of the body.

Table. Infusions and decoctions for oral administration with herpes zoster.

Preparation	How to use	Effect
Decoction of wormwood and tansy
It is required to mix crushed wormwood and tansy in equal quantities. Then take 2 tablespoons of the mixture, pour 200 ml of boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes, then strain	Drink half a glass in the morning and evening	General tonic, cleansing
Willow bark decoction
Take 2 tablespoons of crushed bark, pour 500 ml of boiling water. Bring to a boil over low heat, then infuse for 2 hours	Take by mouth 100 ml each time before meals	Willow bark has non-specific antiviral activity
Honey drink
Add a crushed clove of garlic and 2 tablespoons of honey to a glass of warm boiled water. Stir thoroughly	Drink immediately after preparation twice a day	General tonic and antiviral action
Propolis tincture
Pour 20 grams of fresh propolis into a glass of vodka. Insist in a dark place for a week	Take a teaspoon morning and evening	Treatment with propolis stimulates the immune system, reduces the duration of the disease

Natural treatments cannot completely suppress the virus. The use of traditional medicine helps to reduce the duration of the disease, allows you to reduce the course of taking antiviral drugs.

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Medications

For the treatment of herpes zoster at home, direct antiviral drugs are mandatory. They are prescribed to suppress the activity of the virus, as a result of which the symptoms caused by it disappear. Drug therapy for shingles is prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the severity of the symptoms.

Topical preparations

Topical preparations are used to accelerate the healing of rashes in herpes zoster, to relieve itching and pain, and to prevent secondary infections.

1. Emla. Cream with lidocaine. Used to relieve severe pain. The cream is applied to the skin, then covered with a special film, which is in the package with the medicine. This bandage can be kept up to 5 hours, it will provide an analgesic effect.
2. For the treatment of rashes and the prevention of secondary infection, antiseptic solutions are used – Chlorhexidine, Fukortsin, brilliant green solution. They lubricate the bubbles pointwise as they form.
3. External antiviral ointments for herpes zoster are ineffective. They are used only at the very beginning of the disease, when the rash only appears. Apply ointments Acyclovir, Zovirax, Fenistil pencivir.

The treatment of the skin is carried out only with clean hands, and after the procedures they must be washed again. All external agents are used only for fresh rashes. When crusts form, they are treated with baby cream to soften.

Emla and Fenistil

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Oral drugs

Oral drugs are prescribed for direct action on the herpes virus. With their help, you can get rid of the manifestations of herpes zoster within 7-10 days.

1. Aciclovir tablets and its derivatives (Famciclovir, Valtrex, Valvir). Acyclovir is taken orally 400 mg 5 times a day, the course of treatment is 10 days. The remaining drugs are prescribed 500 mg 2 times a day for a course of 10 days. These are direct antiviral drugs that act on the herpes virus.
2. Cycloferon. The drug is a stimulant for the production of the body’s own interferons. It has an indirect antiviral effect, strengthens the body’s defenses. Take the drug according to the scheme described in the instructions for the drug.
3. Antipyretic drugs – Paracetamol, Nimika, Ibuprofen. They are used in the complex therapy of herpes zoster to eliminate the symptoms of intoxication – fever, headache and muscle pain.
4. Painkillers. Conventional analgesics for herpes zoster are ineffective, since the pain is caused by damage to the nerve fibers. To relieve pain, use drugs such as PK-Merz, Lyrica. These are quite potent drugs, so only the attending physician can prescribe them.
5. Antihistamines – Claritin, Zodak, Tavegil. Used to eliminate edema, reduce itching with herpes zoster.

Acyclovir and Cycloferon

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The most effective treatment will be with the earliest possible start of taking the drugs and observing the full treatment course.

What not to do with herpes zoster

If a person is ill with herpes zoster, there are several prohibitions for him in his usual way of life. They are necessary in order to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body. So, what can not be done with this disease:

• take a bath, rub the skin with a washcloth and a hard towel;
• put warm compresses, heating pads;
• comb the skin, open the bubbles by yourself;
• peel off drying crusts;
• plentifully treat lesions with brilliant green, fucorcin and other antiseptic dyes;
• go to the bath or sauna.

Such prohibitions are valid until all rashes completely disappear.

Herpes zoster. Risk factors. Part 1

Herpes zoster. Risk factors. Part 2

Prevention of herpes zoster consists in avoiding contact with sick people, avoiding hypothermia, stressful situations. To maintain strong immunity, it is necessary to give up bad habits, eat right, and do gymnastics.

causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention at home

What is shingles

The causative agent of the disease is the herpes virus type 3. Most people know him well since childhood. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Thus, having entered the body at an early age, it remains there forever, and the person becomes the carrier of this strain.

Most people on earth live with a similar pathogen and may never experience shingles. But sometimes, under favorable conditions for the virus, it gives a relapse in the form of a disease. It may be accompanied by eruptions on various parts of the body, or occur without rash, but always leads to neuralgic affections. Most often, relapse overtakes older citizens from 60 to 80 years. It is in this age group that up to 60% of all cases of herpes zoster are recorded.

Causes of shingles in adults

Doctors agree that the cause of the disease is a weakened immune system, in which the body’s defenses are unable to cope with the activity of the virus. Therefore, with a recurrence of type 3 herpes, first of all, they find out the causes of a failure in the immune system. These include:

• oncological diseases and related radio and radiation therapy;
• surgical interventions, including organ transplants;
• HIV/AIDS;
• antibiotics and drugs that kill the protective functions of the body;
• depression, stress;
• hypothermia or overheating.

Shingles itself is not a contagious disease. But a sick person is a source of the varicella-zoster virus. Therefore, for everyone who has not had this childhood infection, any contact with a person suffering from lichen is strictly contraindicated. Otherwise, it is almost a 100 percent guarantee of catching chickenpox. The disease can be transmitted in several ways: airborne, contact-household and transplacental (from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth). The patient is a danger to others during the entire time when he has new blisters.

Symptoms of herpes zoster in adults

Herpes zoster has two forms, typical and atypical, which manifest themselves in different ways.

Typical shape. Passes through 3 stages, each of which is characterized by its own set of symptoms:

• The first stage lasts from 2 to 4 days. The patient begins to be disturbed by painful sensations of the neuralgic type, tingling, burning, itching in the place where rashes soon form. Often there is a disorder of the function of the gastrointestinal tract, the temperature rises to 39°C, lymph nodes are enlarged.
• The second stage is characterized by the appearance of a rash. First, red spots of different sizes appear – up to 5 mm. After 3-4 days bubbles (vesicles) form. This process is also accompanied by pain and itching.
• The third stage occurs when crusts begin to form in place of the bubbles. Over time, they dry out and fall off. With shingles, skin lesions heal in 10 to 14 days. But the neuralgic manifestations remain.

Atypical form. In this case, herpes zoster can be expressed in several different types:

• Mild (abortive) – vesicles do not form, the disease manifests itself only with neuralgia.
• Severe (gangrenous) – usually occurs with catastrophic immunodeficiency. It is distinguished by very abundant rashes that encircle the affected part of the body, constantly changing movement. There are more and more rashes.
• Vesicles – vesicles grow in size, seem to unite and form rashes of considerable size, with uneven edges.
• Generalized – in case of serious disorders of the immune system, following typical rashes, herpes type 3 affects large areas of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Bullous – vesicles coalesce into single large papules.

Also, herpes zoster is classified according to the place of localization, distinguishing gangliocutaneous (the most common), ophthalmic, ear and other forms.

In the typical form of herpes zoster, red patches of varying size first appear, followed by blisters after 3-4 days. Photo: Wikipedia, Globallookpress. In the typical form of herpes zoster, red spots of various sizes first appear, and after 3-4 days bubbles form. Photo: Wikipedia, Globallookpress. In the typical form of herpes zoster, red spots of various sizes first appear, and after 3-4 days bubbles form. Photo: Wikipedia, Globallookpress.

Treatment of herpes zoster in adults

Herpes zoster should be treated as soon as possible – already at the first signs of the disease. The doctor will always prescribe a comprehensive treatment that will relieve the patient of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease, reduce the risk of complications, and also support the immune system.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually based on examination of the clinical picture. When the patient has already developed a rash, it becomes obvious. But at the very beginning of the disease, it can be confused with pleurisy, trigeminal neuralgia, appendicitis, angina, pulmonary infarction, renal colic. It is also important for a doctor to distinguish lichen from ordinary herpes, chickenpox, and acute eczema.

To make a correct diagnosis or clarify it, doctors resort to various methods of laboratory diagnostics:

• PCR analysis – it detects pathogen DNA in the bubble fluid, blood, saliva;
• enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) – helps to detect antibodies to the virus, deal with the primary infection;
• immunofluorescent analysis – allows you to find antigens;
• HIV / AIDS test – may be prescribed in case of development of a generalized form.

The patient can also be given referrals for a general and biochemical blood test, a general urine test.

Modern methods of treatment

Herpes zoster is treated mainly on an outpatient basis. But with gangrenous, generalized, ophthalmic and ear forms, patients are admitted to the hospital.

There is a wide range of medicines that are used to treat this infection:

Topical antivirals. They help to quickly cope with rashes.

Antivirals for oral administration. They allow you to fight the virus more effectively.

Painkillers . Non-steroidal antivirals not only relieve pain, but also treat inflammation. Lidocaine-based ointments also help with pain.

Antihistamines. Similar medicines help relieve itching.

Vitamins. B vitamins (tablets or even injections) are needed to prevent tissues from being actively destroyed.

Antibiotics. If a bacterial infection is attached to shingles, the doctor will prescribe such remedies.

Often the patient is prescribed physiotherapy procedures – UHF, electrophoresis, ultrasound, ultraviolet irradiation. With proper treatment and compliance with all the recommendations of a specialist, the prognosis is favorable.

Prevention of shingles in adults at home

First of all, protection against shingles is in strong immunity. To preserve it, you should avoid any situations in which the body’s defenses are tested for strength.

Also preventive measures include the exclusion of contact with sick people. Those who have had chickenpox should avoid hypothermia, overheating, stress, overwork.

Vaccination is a good method of prevention.

Popular questions and answers

Popular questions about shingles were answered by infectious disease specialist, scientist virologist, candidate of medical sciences Anna Demina .