With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Shingles
A viral infection which causes a rash that can become really painful are known as shingles. These can occur anywhere in the body and is often characterized as band of blisters that covers from the middle of the back to the side of the breastbone. This isn't a life threatening condition but the only problem associated with this it can be extremely painful. It is said that early treatment can shorten the infection. The treatments can include some of the home remedies for shingles.
Causes for Shingles:
The virus which is responsible for the condition is Varicella-zoster virus. An important fact for this is that it is the same virus which causes chickenpox. Hence people who recover from chickenpox have the tendency to develop the infection.
Other Causes for Shingles:
- Low immune system that may a factor for the virus to grow. Hence the infection is common among older people.
- The viruses belong to the group of herpes viruses which are responsible for genital herpes and cold sores. Therefore the other name for shingles is herpes zoster.
Symptoms for Shingles:
- Pain, numbness, burning and tingling
- Fluid filled blisters that can break open with crust over
- Itching which can be accompanied with a red rash
Other symptoms that people can experience are:
- General achiness
- Fever and chills
- Headache and fatigue
To be precise with the symptoms the pain can be a first sign for shingles that gradually become intense.
The home based remedies can be used for a quick relief and a natural way to treat the infection.
- First and the best way to treat shingles are by using mint leaves. Prepare a paste of these leaves and apply this on the affected area. The mint leaves are a natural coolant and is highly effective against the condition. Allow the paste to stay over the affected area or about 15 minutes. Apply this 4-5 times a day for some better results.
- Acetone based nail polish remover are effective to treat shingles. Apply this on the affected area with a cotton ball. This is effective because the remover cools down the inflammation caused by shingles. In addition to this it also removes the dead skin cells, oil and germs from the affected skin.
- Ice packs are also beneficial for treating shingles. Apply this on the affected area and use this application every few hours to give some instant relief.
- To reduce the irritation you can use some vitamin E oil, apple cider vinegar, cool goldenseal, or peppermint tea. Simply sponge the blisters or the rashes with these effective items.
- Herbal teas are effective to keep the body stress free. These herbs include mint, rosemary, sage, thyme which can prove to be excellent to treat the disease in a natural way.
Other common methods that you can try at home are:
- Hydrogen peroxide can be applied directly on the affected skin. Do not dilute the solution.
- Garlic is also effective to treat this viral infection that leads to shingles. You simply eat three cloves of garlic everyday to reduce the symptoms associated with shingles.
- Another method you can prepare at home is to use two aspirin tablets which are powdered first. Add 2 tbsp of chloroform or alcohol to the powder to prepare a paste. Apply this on the affected area to provide some instant relief.
- Apple cider vinegar can also work wonders to give some relief to the pain. Here you need to add a half cup of the vinegar to 2 cups of water. Use a clean cotton ball and moisten it with the solution and apply directly on the affected area.
- Another alternate method you can prepare at home using Aloe Vera, leek juice and some raw honey. Mix some appropriate quantity of these ingredients and directly apply on the rash.
- You can also prepare a solution of baking soda and use this as a cold compress.
- Yogurt is highly effective for any infection in the body. You simply have to prepare a mixture of yogurt and some amount of zinc oxide. Apply this mixture on the affected area. Nonetheless, you can apply this on the affected area before the outbreak as this will curb the outburst of these tiny blisters.
- To reduce the itching and the pain associated with shingles, try using calamine lotion on the affected area. This can be made better by adding 20% of isopropyl alcohol and 1% of phenol and menthol. If you find these very strong then add some equal parts of water for the purpose of diluting it. Use this until you see the blister to dry up and form a scab.
- An effective method you can try out is use a handful of cornmeal or oatmeal in the bathwater. This will reduce the blisters and the symptoms will also become less. This is effective for temporary relief only.
- To reduce the itching and the pain use some colloidal powder.
- Finally, take proper rest and sleep. This is the body's own way to defend and rescue from the condition.
In addition to the home remedies for shingles, keep yourself tension and stress free. This is because stress can make the condition worse and painful as well. Hence try some relaxation techniques such as reading a favorite novel, listening to some light music or watch a good movie to keep the body and mind exercise. Indulge yourself in yoga and meditations as well.
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