Home remedies for Shingles

Can you suggest any soothing washes or lotions for shingles (as home-made or over the counter)?
( 3 Mar 2008)

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Shingles Treatment

Shingles is a viral infection of the nerves and is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus or the VZ virus. In other words, it is essentially the chicken pox virus, which never really leaves the body once you have had it. In cases of lowered immunity, the virus returns to wreck havoc in the form of shingles.

The first symptoms of this disease are pain followed by blisters which leave a rash once they are gone. Since the ailment is caused by virus that is dormant, home remedies are not much help as a cure but they work well to alleviate the symptoms.

An oatmeal bath is a remedy that can be used and it helps in soothing the sores caused by the blisters.

Another option is to use Aloe Vera gel, especially if it contains Benzocaine as it works as an anti-inflammatory. Also, the cooler it is the better it is, so use wet compresses or an ice pack over the affected areas. As far as over the counter solutions go, calamine lotion slightly refrigerated will provide a cooling effect for the sores. Finally, to ensure there are no secondary infections in the open sores you may use an antibacterial ointment.

answered by K C on 3 Mar 2008, 5:08:24

Home remedies for Shingles

Can you suggest any soothing washes or lotions for shingles (as home-made or over the counter)? ( 3 Mar 2008)

Can you suggest any soothing washes or lotions for shingles (as home-made or over the counter)?
( 3 Mar 2008)