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Symptoms and Causes of Shingles
Shingles are also known as herpes zoster and are quite commonly seen in adults.
Shingles are very popularly known as "chicken pox for adults". Almost every person has gone through chicken pox in their childhood. The virus stays inactive in the nervous system and reoccurs due to various reasons. The virus may stay in the nervous system for years. Some of the causes of shingles include old age, weak immune system, excess stress or some kind of disease. Similar to chicken pox, shingles cause extreme itching and discomfort and have a tendency to spread all over the body. The symptoms of shingles include itching, redness, rashes, pain and burning sensation. In case of extreme situations, it may also cause bleeding.
Mint Leaves and Nail polish Remover Provide Quick Relief from Shingles
Natural remedies for shingles can be applied for a side effect free and quick relief treatment. Make a paste of three to four fresh mint leaves and apply all over the affected areas.
The mint acts as a coolant and is very effective against shingles. Apply this method at least four times in a day and rinse thoroughly with water after 15 minutes of application. Nail polish remover is considered to be one of the most effective home remedies to cure shingles. Apply an acetone based nail polish remover on the affected area with the help of a cotton ball. Exercise this method at least four to five times in a day. The nail polish remover cools the burning skin and removes dead skin cells, germs, oil and other various substances from the skin. This treatment should not be applied near the eyes as it may cause blindness and immense irritation. Ice is one of the most effective remedies to cure shingles. Apply an icepack on the affected area every few hours in a day and you will experience immense relief.
Some Important Measures to Treat Shingles
Apart from the shingles remedies, there are a few important measures that you need to keep in mind before the condition gets worse.
Avoid foods which contain high levels of salt as it may cause further problems. Consume fruits which contain high levels of water as it is very beneficial. It is recommended not to cover the affected area as it may increase the temperature of it and hamper the healing process. Shingles home remedies are extremely safe and very effective. If the shingles appear of the face, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor in this situation. Face shingles should be treated by the doctor as this condition could cause blindness and also temporary facial paralysis. There are many people who check with their doctors for information on how to treat shingles. However, on the other hand, there are many people who are not even sure of what is shingles disease and what some of the most common shingles causes.
What is Shingles Disease
Shingles disease, also known as herpes zoster shingles, can be described as a viral infection, which leads to the appearance of a painful rash on the body. Even though this rash can appear on any part of the body, it is most commonly seen in the form of a band of blisters, which starts at the middle of the back, goes around one side of the chest and extends to the breast bone. This disease occurs when a person is infected due to the varicella zoster virus; this is the same virus which is also known to cause chicken pox.
Once a person suffers from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant within the body, in the nerve tissue close to the spinal cord and the brain. The presence of the virus usually does not create any health problems. However, in the case of some people, it is possible for the virus to get reactivated after many years, in the form of shingles. Although this condition is not very serious, it can be quite painful. Hence, it is quite common for people to opt for treatment for shingles pain, with the help of a vaccine. The early treatment for shingles can be quite effective in reducing the duration of the infection as well as the chances of any complications.
What Causes Shingles
When people ask their health care providers “how do you get shingles?”, they are often told that this condition occurs because of the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox and therefore, this disease is not uncommon in those people who have suffered from chickenpox at some point or the other. Health experts are still not clear about what causes shingles in adults and children, that is, what the exact factors that reactivate the virus are.
There have been instances of people who have never had chickenpox, but suffer from the symptoms of shingles. This causes them to wonder what causes shingles to occur in those individuals who have never had chickenpox.
However, it is important to realize that a person who is infected with shingles can pass on the virus to anybody, including those people who have not had chickenpox. This is more likely to occur when an individual comes into contact with an infected person’s sores or blisters. However, people who are infected by the virus the first time will develop chickenpox and not shingles. Developing chickenpox is not particularly dangerous for most people, except pregnant women, newborns and those who have a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of Shingles
In most people, the signs and symptoms of shingles affect only a small part of the body. One of the first symptoms of shingles in women and men too, is intense pain. Although the main symptom of this condition is the rash, there have been several people who have not experienced the rash, in spite of suffering from shingles. Some of the other symptoms of shingles in men, women and children include:
- Numbness, pain, tingling and a burning sensation
- Presence of blisters, filled with fluid that can break open and crust over
- Appearance of a red colored rash that appears soon after the pain is felt
There are certain signs and symptoms that are not very common, but are experienced by some people. Given below are a few signs and symptoms of shingles that are not very common:
In case any of the blisters appear on the face, especially near the eyes or the ear, it is important for people to consult a doctor immediately for treatment for shingles in the ear or ear.
Treatment of Shingles
In most instances, shingles heals on its own, within a matter of a few weeks, but most people prefer to go in for prompt treatment, in order to relieve the pain as well as the risks for complications. Some of the medications that can be prescribed for treating this condition include the use of antiviral drugs.
Other drugs may also be helpful in the treatment for shingles rash. Some of these drugs include numbing agents, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants. However methods on how to treat shingles around the eyes, mouth and on the face should be discussed with the doctor.
How to Treat Shingles Naturally
Based on the severity of the pain and the symptoms, it is quite natural for several patients to avoid traditional medication and opt for natural and home remedies instead. Since this condition can be quite taxing, many patients feel too tired and lethargic to do anything. Therefore, the first step towards the natural treatment of this condition is getting a lot of rest. Since stress has been known to worsen the pain and discomfort caused by shingles, it is absolutely essential for patients to find a way to relax and get rid of their stress. Simple activities to divert the mind from the pain, like listening to music, reading a book or watching a movie have also known to be quite effective. Another remedy that is recommended quite often is taking a cool bath or applying a cold compress on the blisters, to relieve the pain.
Applying any cream on the blisters should be strongly discouraged, as some products contain harsh chemicals, which can worsen the pain and itching. It is best to consult a doctor for topic creams and lotions that can be applied to the surface of the skin, without any problems. Anti-itch creams or calamine lotions are known to be most effective for this purpose.
There is a lot of information easily available on shingles causes and cures and symptoms, through online resources. However, it is best for people to consult a doctor in case they notice any of the symptoms of shingles, in order to seek professional methods on how to treat shingles blisters and for shingles pain relief.
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