6 Home Remedies Effective To Treat Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful and often blistering skin rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in their nerve cells for years, sometimes even decades. In some individuals, the virus can reactivate later in life, leading to the development of shingles.

Shingles typically presents as a painful rash that appears as a band or strip of blisters on one side of the body, often following the path of a nerve. The pain associated with shingles can be severe and is usually accompanied by itching, burning, and tingling sensations. The rash may also be accompanied by other flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headache.

Shingles is more common in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems, but it can affect people of all ages. While the rash and symptoms of shingles often resolve within a few weeks, some individuals may experience long-lasting nerve pain in a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Vaccines are available to prevent shingles and reduce the risk of complications, with the most common vaccine being the shingles vaccine, which is recommended for adults over a certain age. Early diagnosis and treatment with antiviral medications can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

# Oatmeal Baths

You Will Need

1-2 cups of oatmeal
Water

What You Have To Do

- Add one to two cups of oatmeal to your bath filled with water.

- Soak in the bath for 15-20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

Why This Works

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal can help soothe itchiness and inflammation in the affected area.

# Cold/Hot Compress

You Will Need

A cold compress

What You Have To Do

- Apply a cold/hot compress to the affected area.

- Place it there for 15-20 minutes and remove.

- Pat the area dry after removing the pack.

- Wash or dispose of the compress immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily until the blisters stop oozing.

Why This Works

Cold compresses do a wonderful job in reducing inflammation and swelling of the skin following an injury . Hence, they may also help in alleviating inflammation associated with shingles. Hot compresses are effective in treating the symptoms of cold sores. They may, therefore, also be effective in treating the symptoms of shingles.

# Vitamins

Vitamin C and vitamin D can be beneficial in managing shingles. Vitamin D possesses immune-modulating properties, and intravenous vitamin C may assist in reducing pain and alleviating other symptoms linked to the infection.

You can find these vitamins abundantly in various food sources such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, dairy products, eggs, and seafood. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before considering additional supplements for these vitamins.

# Coconut Oil

You Will Need

1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil
Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

- Using a cotton ball, apply some virgin coconut oil to the affected areas.

- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off.

- Discard the used cotton ball.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of coconut oil can help in alleviating itching and pain that occur with shingles.

# Garlic

You Will Need

4-5 garlic cloves
Cotton pads

What You Have To Do

- Take four to five garlic cloves and peel them.

- Crush the cloves and apply the mixture to the affected area using a cotton ball or cotton pad.

- Leave it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing off with water.

- Discard the used cotton balls.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

The antiviral and anti-inflammatory nature of the garlic compounds can help in combating the symptoms of inflammation and pain while also fighting the virus responsible for triggering the infection.

# Tea Tree Oil

You Will Need

3 drops of tea tree oil
1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil
Cotton balls

What You Have To Do

- Add three drops of tea tree oil to one to two teaspoons of coconut oil. Mix well.

- Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture to the affected area.

- Leave it on for 20-25 minutes.

- Rinse it off with warm water.

- Discard the used cotton ball.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1 or 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Tea tree oil possesses impressive anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the itching and pain associated with shingles. Its antiviral nature can help speed up your recovery.

Apart from these, there are also several homeopathic remedies serving as alternative medicines that may help in holistic healing.