Reduce Stress By Saying No
Chronic stress can lower your immune system. It is that simple.
We often run into chronic stress when we constantly say yes to things that put your body in a state of stress. What can be helpful in treating your shingles is saying no to things. And that will help you not spread yourself too thin. If you have been experiencing chronic stress, just say no. Go back to tip number two and get yourself some rest.
Sometimes medicine can be about changing regular lifestyle choices one makes.
Why Shingles Can Be Painful
Before we walk you through treatment options, lets look at why this virus can cause pain. The varicella zoster virus develops a latency after chickenpox in these nerves called dorsal root ganglia, explains Paul Auwaerter, M.D., clinical director of the division of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. What can happen is, for reasons that arent entirely clear, the virus can reactivate within a nerve. The virus then travels along that pathway to the skin, causing a painful rash. In serious cases, it can lead to lasting nerve damage called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN.
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Shingles Treatment Options: Medical And Natural Choices
So what to do about this viral infection that can often bring very severe burning pains?
The truth is that doctors are not too sure how the virus can be best taken care of because it is unknown exactly what causes to reactivate it. What we do know is that there is a direct correlation between individuals who have low immune systems with the occurrence of Shingles.
Therefore it would be very wise to help strengthen your immune system in order to prevent shingles from happening or to treat shingles itself.
Dont Skip Vaccines
First and foremost, always get vaccinated. Both the chickenpox vaccine and the shingles vaccine can dramatically reduce your risk for getting shingles and PHN. Shingles vaccine is recommended for people even if theyve had shingles before simply because they can get it again.
None of the following natural shingles treatment options are a replacement for these vaccines. They are simply alternative natural ways to treat shingles besides over the counter medicine products.
Medication
Although there is no cure for shingles, medical doctors may prescribe anti-viral drugs such as acyclovir in order to speed up healing and reduce the severity of the rash when taken within 3 days after the rash appears.
If you prefer the natural route, we are going to give you five natural shingles treatment choices anyone can do that also boosts your immune system.
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Manuka Honey And Clover Honey
Both have been shown to have significant antiviral properties that fight against the zoster virus. A 2012 study has suggested that these honeys, when applied topically to the shingles rash, can be used as a remedy especially in developing countries where antiviral drugs are expensive or unavailable.
Apply Capsaicin Ointment For Pain Relief
Capsaicin, a component found in red pepper, can ease the pain caused by shingles. This compound depletes a neurotransmitter called substance P. which helps transmit pain signals to your brain.
Ointments with capsaicin are available in the market. You can also mix a pinch of powdered red pepper with plain skin ointment to make one at home. However, do keep in mind that its not a good idea to use capsaicin ointments on broken skin. Also, application of the ointment can cause burning and itching the first few times. Do a patch test before using to ensure your skin doesnt react adversely to it.1112
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Go With Gabapentin For Phn
If you do have the lasting nerve pain of PHN, some doctors will prescribe anti-seizure medications, including Neurontin or Lyrica . Even though they were developed as anti-seizure medicines, they can help modulate the nerve pain until the nerves can heal, Dr. Auwaerter explains. These treatments can reduce pain signaling from the nerves to the brain by calming your neurotransmitters for a short time. They are FDA-approved as an effective treatment for PHN. Like antivirals, they require frequent daily dosing, usually three times per day.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
This noninvasive pain treatment uses a small device to deliver low-voltage electrical current to electrodes that are attached to the skin. Mel Borins, M.D., author of A Doctors Guide to Alternative Medicine: What Works, What Doesnt and Why, says the most important shingles advice is to seek immediate treatment with antiviral drugs. TENS therapy can also be helpful, Borins adds.
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Why Treat Shingles Naturally
I have great respect for modern medicine. There have been times in my life when prescription medication has been a lifesaver. However, with most things that are non-life threatening, I will always look for an alternative and more natural option first. I had also checked in with my doctor regarding the risks of not taking the prescribed medication, and in my case, there was a very low risk of any danger.
Acyclovir or Valacyclovir and a corticosteroid are generally offered for the treatment of shingles. I had two main problems with these.
First, the purpose of the conventional antiviral medication is to treat the symptoms of the virus and hopefully shorten its duration, but it doesnt actually work to cure. The medication must also be started within 72 hours to be most effective. After that, it may or may not have much effect. Also, as with any medication, there is a risk of unpleasant side-effects as well as a strain on the liver.
Two, steroids are an immunosuppressant. To take this medication seemed counterproductive. Shingles happens when a persons immune system is lowered, so instead of keeping it lowered with a steroid, I wanted to focus on doing things that boosted it back up and made it strong so I had the best chance of fighting the virus off.
Natural Remedies For Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The varicella zoster virus causes this viral infection. Its 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 , 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 isnt 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.
Theres 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, its not the only option. Several natural remedies may also reduce pain and discomfort.
Dry your body completely and then wash your towel to avoid spreading the virus to others.
- orange and yellow fruits
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Herbal Treatments That Didnt Work For Me
For me, many herbs that were supposed to work did not live up to their promise. For example, St. Johnâs wort is considered a near specific for herpetic pain. I applied lots of the oil externally and took large doses of the extract every hour or two internally. It yielded no effect on the nerve pain. I then used high-quality CBD oil, which is currently widely extolled for relieving the condition. It was mildly effective but it tended to make me feel sleepy throughout the day. I also used red-veined kratom which is an opioid-like herb, and it helped me to feel better but I didnât like, nor do I approve of taking more than once a day and only a few days a week. Kratom made the discomfort much more tolerable but did not completely relieve the pain. Itâs still worth keeping it available as part of a wider approach to managing the disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers shingles as a condition of Damp Heat and the main formula for such ailments is Gentiana Combination. At least in the short term of five days or so, this formula had no effect. Chinese also consider all pain to be caused by blockage and formulas that move Blood and Qi like Fu Zhu Yu Tang and Si Ni San . At one period I did all three of these formulas, but they provided no noticeable immediate relief.
Apple cider vinegar is another plant-based treatment for shingles much recommended online. It did not work for me.
Witch Hazel For Shingles
Witch Hazel normalizes the skins moisture balance as it is a natural astringent. It soothes pain and speeds up healing.
How to Use:
Topical application
Benefits:
It also helps in reducing and refining the appearance of large pores. It can be topically applied to reduce inflammation, thereby achieving relief.
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Are There Natural Options For Pain Management
With some of the more traditional pain management options available, there are risks and concerns.
There are more natural options available in the form of supplements. Still, as with any changes to your regimen, you should discuss them with your doctor before you begin taking anything new.
These should not be viewed as a substitute for the antivirals that are mentioned above. These, like the pain management options, are meant to be supportive options that you discuss with your doctor.
Here are some supplements to discuss with your doctor:
- High-dose vitamin B12 has shown promise for being a complementary therapy for soothing pain.
- Amino acid L-lysine is a building block of protein that the human body cannot produce, and it has the potential to discourage the replication of the herpes zoster virus.
Because the pain associated with shingles can be overwhelming, herbal teas and supplements may help soothe the feelings of restlessness that come with pain and help restore your sleep health to your normal levels.
You may want to consider herbal supplements like:
Talk to your doctor before you add any new supplements into your daily routine. In addition to supplements, there are options that may help you naturally soothe your symptoms.
Here are some ideas for naturally addressing the pain associated with shingles:
How To Cure Shingles
Benefits:
Aloe Vera is an effective moisturizer and has anti-inflammatory properties which help the skin in many ways. It repairs the damaged cells and protects newer cells. Aloe Vera has been regarded as one of the most effective remedies against Shingles.
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Common Symptom Of Shingles
The most common symptom of shingles is red, itchy, and painful rashes, which are smallpox marks that often occur on the buttocks, lower back, neck, cheeks, trunk, or face. It can also spread to anywhere on your body.
The rashes come in patches, and this makes the rashes highly noticeable. When the rashes develop into blisters filled with fluid, you may feel extremely itchy and painful. The rashes may disappear completely within 5-6 weeks. Other common symptoms include fatigue, body pain, fever, headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light.
Natural Cures For Shingles
I have never had shingles myself, but I have, however, been told by many people the things that worked for them when they got it. Max was happy with the idea of a brief and entirely unscientific study for a few days, before resorting to the Valtrex prescribed by his doctor, who told him the drug would take two weeks to kick in, followed by at least another two weeks to clear up the symptoms fully.
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Antidepressants May Offer Surprising Relief
Antidepressants may have been invented for depression, but they are also known to modulate peripheral nerves, Dr. Auwaerter says, thereby dulling PHN pain. Your physician may suggest Pamelor or Aventyl or Elavil . Dr. Auwaerter adds that these medications can sometimes cause side effects like fatigue and sluggishnessthough PHN patients usually only need a low dose, which is unlikely to cause major adverse effects.
How To Cure Shingles Pain
Proteolytic Enzymes
These are natural enzymes released by the human pancreas to digest protein that reaches the stomach from daily diet. In order to ease pain caused by shingles, it is necessary to produce more proteolytic enzymes in the body. This can be done by the consumption of fruits like pineapple and ripe papaya. Bromelain and papain found in pineapple and papaya respectively lead to the increase in the production of the natural enzymes that effectively reduces pain by drying the rashes. However, do not eat the fruits if you are under blood thinning medication like aspirin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Take half a cup of apple cider vinegar and mix it in two and a half cups of water. Now wet a piece of cotton cloth in the solution and dab on the affected area, pressing gently so as to allow the solution to absorb into the skin. This helps to dry rashes and release pain gradually. Remember to dilute apple cider vinegar well else sores will get aggravated due to burning.
Cold Compress
Take chilled water in a bowl and mix two tablespoons of baking soda in it. Completely soak a cotton cloth in the solution and use it as a cold compress against the affected area of skin. The anti inflammatory properties of baking soda help to heal the rashes.
Aloe Vera Pack
Olive Leaf Extract
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Natural Remedies To Relieve Shingles Pain Outbreaks
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 youre 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 . 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 dont know why, but roughly 1 out of every 3 people who had chickenpox later have the virus reactivate as shingles.
How Common is Shingles?
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?
Doctor Recommendations for Shingles
Natural Remedies To Treat Shingles
A viral infection that causes a painful rash and blisters in certain areas of the body is known as shingles. Even though it can occur on any part of the body, it more commonly appears on the left or right side of the face or torso.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus which is also responsible for causing chickenpox. It lies inactive in the nervous tissue near the brain after one has healed from chickenpox and can be reactivated at a later stage into shingles.
Even though it is not life-threatening, it can create extremely unpleasant repercussions. Some of the symptoms of shingles are
- Red blotches on the skin usually on one side of the body
- Tingling and numbness
- Itchy Blisters in clusters that secrete fluid
- Fever and fatigue
- Painful, red, and itchy lesions
These symptoms can cause extreme discomfort and pain, and sadly, it doesn’t have a quick cure. Fortunately, though, there are natural remedies one can easily practice in the comfort of their own home which can aid in its relief.
Listed below are 5 home treatments for shingles one can adopt.
A moist cold compress placed on the infected area creates relief from pain and slows inflammation. Take a cotton towelette and soak it in cool water. Then rinse it thoroughly and use the damp remains as your wet press. This can be practised as many times a day as needed but do not use ice as a quick-fix as it could react adversely.
2. Cold Water Baths
3. Skin Creams and Lotions
4. Essential Oils
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Apply A Baking Soda Solution To Relieve Irritated Skin
Another common remedy for itching thats easily available at home is baking soda. Add a little baking soda to a glass of water and apply the solution to relieve irritated skin. You can also try adding some baking soda to your bath water.15 Although its not clear how exactly baking soda works, its alkaline nature is supposed to be at work here.
Treat Your Body And Mind
You can get worn down mentally when youâre in constant pain. Stress can make it seem even worse. Self-care starts with treating your rash, but donât stop there. Your mind and emotional state need to be cared for as well.
5. Stick with good habits: Your bodyâs working hard to fight the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles. To give it the right support, you can:
- Eat nutritious food and have regular meals. Ask someone to make a run to the grocery store for fresh fruit and such if youâre not up for it.
- Try to get a good nightâs sleep and rest anytime you need to.
- Do gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching. Light activity can help take your mind off the pain. Keep it simple though, and check with your doctor if youâre trying something new.
6. Distract yourself: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to put your focus elsewhere. Here are a few things to try:
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