10 Incredible Home Remedies for Shingles You Should Know

10 Incredible Home Remedies for Shingles You Should Know

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes this viral infection. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

If you had chickenpox as a child, the shingles virus lies dormant in your body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause a shingles rash. The rash can appear on any part of your body, but typically only affects small areas.

Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. The rash and fluid-filled blisters form within a few days of the pain beginning. Some people with shingles also have fever, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) trusted source, about 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their lives.

The shingles virus can last anywhere from two to six weeks. Shingles is not life-threatening, but some people experience postherpetic neuralgia. This is when nerve fibers become damaged, resulting in shingles pain that lasts weeks or months after the rash clears up.

There is no cure for shingles, but your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to shorten the duration of the virus and relieve symptoms.

Although an antiviral medication is an effective treatment for shingles, it is not the only option. Several natural remedies can also relieve pain and discomfort.

Spas

Cleaning the blisters daily reduces the risk of spreading the infection. Take a cool bath or shower to soothe the skin. The coolness of the water can relieve shingles pain and soothe itching.

You can also take a healing bath to relieve symptoms. Pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oat flour or cornstarch into lukewarm bath water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use hot water. Hot water can make shingles blisters worse because heat increases blood flow.

Dry your body completely and then wash your towel to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Wet, cool compress

In addition to a bath, to relieve pain and itching associated with a shingles rash, apply a cool, wet compress. Do this several times a day to relieve symptoms. Dip a cloth in cold water, wring out the water, and place the cloth over the rash and blisters.

The coolness of the compress can relieve pain. Repeat the process as many times as necessary. Do not put an ice pack on the rash. The cold can increase skin sensitivity and worsen pain.

Baking powder and cornstarch paste

Create a paste of cornstarch or baking soda and water to naturally relieve the itching caused by a shingles rash.

Pour two parts cornstarch or baking soda into a cup. Add a portion of water to get the desired consistency for the paste. Apply the mixture to your rash. Rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat several times daily if necessary.

We recommend: Baking soda – Baking powder – Highly pure food grade

Soothing lotions and creams

Scratching a shingles rash can lead to scarring and prolonged blisters. If the itching doesn't improve after a medicated bath, a cool compress, or a baking soda or cornstarch mixture, use soothing lotions and creams.

Lotions and creams do not speed up the healing process, but they can make you feel better. Avoid scented or perfumed lotions. They may cause further irritation. Find a wide selection of unscented lotions here.

Use lotions and creams sparingly. Heavy application can keep wounds from drying out and prolong the healing process. For the same reasons, do not use antibiotic ointments on the wounds.

If you choose creams or lotions, it would be more effective if you apply one containing the natural ingredient capsaicin up to three or four times a day. This is the active ingredient in chili peppers.

Capsaicin has an anti-inflammatory effect to relieve pain. After the first application of the cream, the pain may increase, but it slowly disappears. This cream works by reducing pain signals sent to your brain.

Additionally, you can apply calamine lotion after bathing and showering to soothe irritated skin and dry out blisters.

Dietary remedies

A weakened immune system makes shingles worse. Some dietary changes can boost your immune system and prevent shingles from spreading to other parts of your body. Take steps to strengthen your immune system function by eating certain foods and avoiding others.

A shingles diet consists of foods containing vitamins A, B-12, C, and E and the amino acid lysine. Foods that promote healing include:

• orange und gelbe Früchte
• grünes, blättriges Gemüse
• Rotes Fleisch
• Eier
• Hähnchen
• Frischer Fisch
• Molkerei-Produkte
• ganze Körner
• Hülsenfrüchte
• Bohnen
• Tomaten
• Spinat

As you heal and deal with the effects of shingles, you may crave comfort foods. However, you should avoid certain foods if you have shingles. Foods to avoid include:

• Lebensmittel und Säfte mit hohem Zuckergehalt
• Argininreiche Lebensmittel (einschließlich Schokolade, Gelatine und Nüsse)
• raffinierte Kohlenhydrate
• Lebensmittel mit hohem Gehalt an gesättigten Fettsäuren

Eating too much of these foods can weaken the immune system and potentially prolong the virus. Foods high in arginine can even cause the virus to multiply.

Homeopathic or herbal remedies

You may consider homeopathic remedies along with conventional therapy to help with your shingles symptoms. Homeopathy is an alternative medicine that takes the approach of allowing the body to heal itself.

There is currently little scientific evidence to support the use of homeopathic medicines to treat any medical condition. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the safety or effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.

If you are considering using homeopathic remedies, speak to your doctor first.

Some supplements and herbal medicines can also help your body fight the virus and treat insomnia and anxiety due to shingles. These include:

• Melatonin
• Johanniskraut
• Oreganoöl
• Echinacea
• Zitronenmelisse
• Grüner Tee
• Fettsäuren

Consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplements. Make sure you have the correct diagnosis. If your condition worsens, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Understand that natural remedies don't work for everyone. Even if you find an effective natural remedy, there is no cure for shingles. The virus must run its course.

However, unconventional remedies can ease your discomfort and irritation – and speed up the healing process – when used in conjunction with conventional therapy.
Topic: Shingles, Shingles, Shingles, Shingles, Shingles, Shingles, Shingles, Shingles, Shingles,

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