If you suspect that you’ve been diagnosed with shingles, see with your physician as fast as you can to receive a proper shingles treatment. The earlier you begin the treatment, the more chance of avoiding postherpetic neuralgia, which is the result of a complication.
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a virus-related nerve root infection that is caused by the varicella Zoster virus. It’s the same virus which causes chickenpox.
In the majority of those who suffered from chickenpox as children, this virus persists in the body long after the chickenpox is gone. It could remain in the nerves for years, but it can reactivate later in life, and trigger shingles. According to statistics, it happens to one in three individuals across the US.
Shingle manifests as itchy blisters and painful rash typically on the opposite side of the bodily (around the ribs, or on one side near the waist). It typically lasts between 3 and five weeks. Other symptoms that could be present include numbness, itching and tingling. They can also be accompanied by fever, colds sickness, headache, fatigue and sensitization to light.
Shingles are most commonly seen in those who are over 50 years of age, who have a weak immune system following an injury or trauma, or in those who are stressed.
It’s not life-threatening however, it could lead to postherpetic neuralgia. That means the patient could continue feeling pain for months, and sometimes for years after the rash has been cleared.
Treatment for Shingles
The treatment for shingles isn’t available, and after 3 to 5 weeks it typically goes away completely on its own. However, your physician can prescribe medications to alleviate the discomfort, soothe the rash and decrease the chance of postherapetic neuropathy.
The most important thing to be successful in shingles treatment is antiviral medicines that aid in the fight against the infection. They also reduce the likelihood of suffering from complications, particularly if you begin taking these medications in the initial 72 hours after experiencing the first signs.
Shingles can trigger a lot of inflammation, pain and discomfort. Ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory medicationscan alleviate the symptoms. Antihistamines like as Benadryl are a great option for itching.
The doctor could also recommend applying a treatments for the skin such as a capsaicin cream, or a numbing cream or spray.
It’s been demonstrated to be true that antidepressants aid in easing almost all pain caused by damage to nerve tissues such as postherpetic neuralgia. Tricyclic antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed to treat this kind of pain.
Antibiotics are not usually required for treating shingles in the event that a bacterial infection is found on the area of skin that is covered with itchy rash.
How to treat Shingles at Home
The following natural treatments for shingles are an excellent way to alleviate the symptoms and accelerate the healing process. These methods shouldn’t, and should not substitute for the prescribed medications by your physician. However, they can alleviate the itching and pain.
Diet
The weakening of the immune system is among the main causes for an outbreak of the varicella-zoster virus. A balanced diet will definitely help to prevent this condition. It can also help much to reduce the symptoms and improve the treatment for shingles prescribed by your physician.
Particularly beneficial are: Oranges and yellow fruits such as tomatoes and other berries, garlic onion , and green tea. Also, drink plenty of daily water.
In addition to strengthening your immunity, you must consider eating foods which can help support your nervous system. Make sure to eat foods rich in vitamin B like beans, sweet potatoes eggs, red meat, green leafy vegetables and whole grains.
It is recommended to stay clear of drinking alcohol as well as sugar, caffeine, and fried foods.
Oatmeal bath
Oatmeal baths are thought to be among the most relaxing natural treatments to soothe skin irritation. Actually colloidal oatmeal is so rich in potent anti-inflammatory properties that the FDA recognized it as a skin-protectant.
Oatmeal is frequently used to treat skin disorders, such as contact dermatitis and eczema. It is rich in saponins that make it a wonderful natural cleanser. Oatmeal is also a great way to boost the skin’s natural barrier and shields skin from irritations including pollution and chemicals.
To prepare a shingles relieving oatmeal bath, make sure you fill the tub with cool water. Do not use hot water, as it could boost blood flow, which can make the itching worse , and hinder healing.
Add 3 to five cups of colloidal oatmeal. (If you don’t have it, then you can use finely oatmeal rolled in a granule instead.) You can also include lavender essential oils into your bath. However, in certain instances lavender oil could make skin irritation worse it, so you should test patches of first.
Mix everything together until the oatmeal disintegrates and the bath water turns creamy white. You can soak in it for 15 to 20 mins.
Manuka honey and clover honey
Honey is a different natural product which is utilized to treat various skin issues. It’s not yet evaluated sufficiently (there are only laboratory studies, not human) however each Manuka or clover honey have shown some promising results when dealing with the varicella virus.
If you’re interested in trying this out, use a little the Manuka or clover honey onto the pimple. It should remain that way for 15 to 20 minutes and then gently rub it off with dry tissues or a towel.
Cold compresses
Applying cold compresses to areas that are covered by the rash can be a simple and effective treatment for shingles. It will reduce the skin’s sensitiveness, ease inflammation, and relieve some itching and pain.
All you need to do is wash a clean towel or cotton cloth in cold water, then squeeze the excess water out. Put the cloth on the area that has been covered in the rash.
Always use a fresh, clean cloth, and wash it every time you use it. This way, you’ll lower the risk of getting sick.
Reduce stress
Easy to say than do. It is however, established that stress can exacerbate the signs of shingles. Stress can weaken the immune system and adversely affects the overall health the body.
Make sure you get enough rest to rest, and stay away from stressful activities. Don’t overwork yourself, but try to see if short, simple walks in the fresh breeze can aid in relaxing. Be sure to follow the guidelines for dietary intake from the previous paragraphs or better yet – the advice your doctor gives you. Study a book or do a meditation.
Whatever you like and makes you feel relaxed.