People living with herpes zoster may take several natural measures to ease symptoms and lower the risk of postherpetic neuralgia – an uncomfortable side effect of herpes zoster. These remedies may also complement medical treatments.
Shingles are caused by reactivating the herpes zoster virus (which also causes chickenpox) and typically manifest themselves with symptoms like tingling, itching and pain in a specific location.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice which utilizes needle insertion at specific body points in order to encourage natural healing processes and alleviate pain associated with various health conditions, including pain associated with shingles. A few studies have demonstrated how acupuncture may ease its symptoms while shortening duration; more research needs to be conducted in this regard in order to ascertain its efficacy.
Patients suffering from shingles should seek professional medical treatment immediately in order to improve their quality of life and speed recovery. Treating the pain promptly is crucial in order to avoid complications and enable a speedy healing process, and avoid scratching blisters as this could cause scarring that extends the healing timeframe.
Conventional treatment of shingles usually entails taking an antiviral drug and pain reliever together, although these drugs will alleviate symptoms but cannot fully eliminate postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Beyond antivirals drugs, other modalities for managing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), including functional medicine approaches, stress management strategies, and acupuncture could potentially provide effective relief.
Vaccination is one of the best ways to avoid shingles. It can significantly decrease one’s risk of an outbreak and painful nerve damage; however, it should not be used by individuals taking immunosuppressant medication or with weak immune systems.
Acupuncture can help ease both the pain of shingles and its side effects such as fatigue and depression, while improving sleep and energy levels for patients. Furthermore, acupuncture can boost immunity while alleviating nausea and vomiting symptoms.
Acupuncture can be an effective and natural method for treating shingles, and can work well when combined with other modalities. However, for optimal results it’s best to consult a certified acupuncturist in an interdisciplinary setting such as primary care office, physical therapy clinic or integrative medicine practice. Furthermore, smoking reduces immunity making one more susceptible to infections, while adequate rest and diet play an essential part in relieving pain related to shingles.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on the body’s natural ability to self-heal. Their core belief is that spinal alignment has an effect on how well the entire body functions; as such, manual manipulation of the spine to improve alignment and promote healing may also be used alongside exercise and nutrition counseling services. Although chiropractors don’t hold medical doctor degrees themselves, they have extensive training in biomechanics of human bodies.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same strain responsible for chickenpox, becomes dormant in our bodies after this infection and later reappears as shingles. While physicians can prescribe antiviral medication to shorten illness duration and postherpetic neuralgia may occur in areas where there was once a rash – often leading to severe nerve pain in that area and potentially lasting permanent damage if left untreated. Natural strategies aim at soothing nervous systems and skin by prioritizing restful recovery processes by prioritizing restful and gradual recuperation through over-the-counter pain relievers or topical treatments while considering changes to diet as well as supplements dietary changes are all important aspects.
An impaired immune system is one of the primary risk factors for shingles outbreak. A vaccine against it is available, and taking one could lower your chances of contracting the virus – making it particularly vital for adults over 50 who have had chickenpox or are at increased risk for shingles outbreak.
Alternative treatments for shingles include acupuncture and chiropractic care, which may help alleviate its pain while relieving its itching. Daily cleaning of blisters may help decrease infection. Patients can also use cool bath or showerwater to soothe their skin and ease any itchiness, while in certain instances a chiropractor may recommend nutritional supplements to support an outbreak.
Functional medicine practitioners can assess your immune function, with particular focus on cytotoxic T lymphocytes as an indicator of healthy immunity. Furthermore, they will look into your diet, chronic illness management plan, medications and stressors to see if any are suppressing it further. Dietary changes that increase lysine intake can also enhance immunity – this amino acid promotes healing in cases of shingles.
Natural remedies
Natural remedies for shingles may help relieve pain and speed healing, though they will not eradicate the condition entirely. At-home treatments might include therapeutic baths, cool compresses and cornstarch or baking soda paste to soothe pain. Some essential oils and herbs, like eucalyptus and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory properties as well. A warm bath containing colloidal oatmeal or baking soda could be soothing and alleviate itching too.
Varicella-zoster virus, the same one responsible for chickenpox, can reactivate in adults to cause shingles. PHN appears as a stripe on either the face or body and typically accompanied by pain, itching, and tingling sensations. Antiviral medication may shorten its duration but pain may linger even months after healing has taken place.
Scratching a shingles rash can increase pain, scarring and blister length. Instead of scratching, apply a cool wet compress on the affected area to ease itching and apply witch hazel to reduce inflammation and itching. A soothing cream containing zinc oxide may also provide comfort; but beware using an ice pack as this could increase skin sensitivity and worsen pain levels further.
Addition of specific nutrients can ease the symptoms of shingles and hasten its healing. Vitamin C, for instance, plays an essential role in immune function as well as producing natural painkillers such as endorphins. You could also take vitamin D supplements for nerve pain relief; and herbs like chamomile or lavender contain anti-inflammatory properties which could soothe an irritating rash.
Conventional treatments for shingles include antivirals and pain medications; however, the best way to prevent shingles is through maintaining a strong immune system and eating healthily. Lifestyle changes such as stress management, exercise and adequate rest can also help lower risk. It may also be wise to get a vaccination against this condition in order to minimize risk; but if symptoms don’t improve quickly enough it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
Lifestyle changes
The varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox may reactivate later as shingles and cause an intensely painful rash. While anyone who has had chickenpox may become infected with it, adults tend to be most affected. While pain from shingles is intense and typically lasts several weeks, natural approaches like stress management, topical treatments, and acupuncture may reduce its duration significantly.
Strengthening one’s immune system is the best way to avoid shingles, and can be accomplished through diet, regular exercise and adequate rest. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals containing Vitamin C and Zinc has proven particularly helpful. You can find them at most health food stores.
A compromised immune system exacerbates symptoms of shingles. Therefore, it’s vital that individuals avoid processed and junk foods that contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and saturated fats that can aggravate inflammation and hinder immunity function. Nuts and seeds with high concentrations of arginine could facilitate replication of the virus as well.
Consume more foods rich in vitamins A and C to strengthen the immune system and hasten healing. Foods like spinach, kale, oranges, strawberries and carrots are excellent examples. Fish is another good source of omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation while supporting a strong immune system.
As well as making dietary adjustments, alternative therapies like acupuncture and natural remedies such as tea tree oil may also help relieve nerve-scraping pain caused by shingles. Furthermore, daily pain-ratings will provide insight into which activities increase or decrease pain levels.
An outbreak of shingles can be extremely uncomfortable, but there are steps you can take to alleviate its pain. Over-the-counter pain relief medications or consulting a doctor for prescription medicines that will speed up recovery may provide temporary relief from pain. Furthermore, vaccines exist which may reduce your chances of flare-ups significantly.
