Treatment for shingles

How do I treat shingles?
( 9 Oct 2007)

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Shingles and chicken pox is caused by the same virus known as herpes zoster. Shingles also manifests in the form of rashes and blisters which are usually filled with pus. These pus filled blisters break out, oozing pus and form crusts.

These crusts are likely to heal over a time period ranging from three to four weeks. Blisters caused due to shingles usually affect any one side of the body and usually cluster around the waistline. These blisters may be painful though not extreme in nature.

Shingles is most likely to affect adults and children who have not contracted chicken pox yet.

You can be sure it is shingles if symptoms such as pus filled blisters, itchiness, pain, burning sensation or numbness is experienced. Other symptoms associated with shingles are stomach upset, abdominal pain, headache, chills and fever. These symptoms indicate the onset of shingles which is likely to last for a month before such blisters heal. The main cause that leads to the contraction of this virus is contact with any infected person. But contact with a shingles infected person does not necessarily imply you will contract shingles instead it could be chickenpox. The virus is known to circulate from one host to another and it is unlikely or rather impossible to get shingles from any other source.

Certain home remedies and dietary controls can help alleviate the intensity of shingles. Some such home remedies include treating the blister affected area with apple cider vinegar. This helps soothe the painful areas. The rashes can be reduced with the application of a mixed solution comprising Aloe Vera gel, leek juice and honey. This mixture can help soothe the rashes. Similarly, a mixture of Aloe Vera gel, cayenne pepper and coconut oil helps nourish dry skin and helps heal blisters faster. Wear loose clothes instead of tight-fits as this will help the skin breathe and recuperate faster. Synthetic fabrics will not absorb sweat and will therefore aggravate an itch.

While treating shingles,it is important to exercise dietary controls to help the digestive system flush toxins and help the skin heal faster. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are most beneficial in replenishing required minerals, vitamins and nutrients while reducing the load on the digestive system. Spicy foods, fried snacks, chocolates, nuts, seeds and refined foods should be avoided as they do not help in maintaining a healthy skin. Eating healthy foods such as salads, low oil foods and steamed foods will also help nourish the skin and heal faster.

answered by G M on 8 May 2009, 12:41:13

Try these home treatments for shingles-

Apply ½ cup of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water on affected area.
Apply water with baking soda on shingles.
Avoid nuts, chocolates, seeds.
Use hydrogen peroxide on infected area.
Apply honey, aloe vera gel (fresh) on area many times a day.

answered by R S on 10 Oct 2007, 7:39:07

Treatment for shingles

How do I treat shingles? ( 9 Oct 2007)

How do I treat shingles?
( 9 Oct 2007)