As children, chicken pox is one of the most harmless illnesses we get. However, it can come back to haunt us as adults in the form of shingles. This illness is also called herpes zoster, and occurs when the chicken pox virus becomes inactive then retreats to the nerves along the spine until it becomes active once again.

Experts cannot really explain why the virus becomes active again, but they believe it could be a result of a weakened immune system. As we get older our immune system tends to get weaker, and this could be a cause for the virus reactivating. Stress is another factor in the virus reemerging after so many years, as we all know stress also weakens the immune system. Therefore, any illness that affects the immune system directly can contribute to the onset of shingles, such as, AIDS or certain cancers. Medications can also repress the immune system, such as drugs that are used after surgery, and cortisone used for extended amounts of time.

Home Remedies For Shingles – Natural Remedies For Shingles

Get some pain relief. Get some relief from the pain by taking Extra Strength Tylenol.

Boost your immune system with vitamins such as, vitamin C and B complex vitamins.

It is recommended that you leave the blisters alone unless they become bad. You can prohibit healing if you irritate the skin. Try your best to stay away from too many skin creams.

Apply a washcloth dipped in cold water to the affected area.

Stay away from heat. Heat will irritate the blisters causing you to be very uncomfortable.

If the blisters become infected, try putting hydrogen peroxide on them.

An antibiotic ointment would be good also, but polysporin or erythromycins are much better choices.

Shingles Herbal Remedies

Cayenne or Chili pepper – These peppers contain capsaicin, which depletes a chemical involved in the transmission of pain. Studies have shown that creams containing capsaicin are very beneficial in controlling the pain of shingles.

Lemon Balm – This leafy, lemon-scented herbaceous plant is really effective against the herpes simplex virus, the relative to the virus that causes shingles. Researchers say it is worth a try especially with how safe this herb is.

Licorice – This root contains a substance that also limits the herpes simplex virus. It coaxes the body to produce more interferon, which is a natural antiviral substance. Licorice is also known to fight inflammation without the side effects of cortisone drugs.

Baikal skullcap – This herb is very effective against both viruses and bacteria. This trait makes it a good herb to apply to shingles topically.

Mullein – This flower reduces pain and inhibits the herpes simplex virus. It is also used to reduce pain, inflammation, and soothes irritated skin.

St-John’s-Wort – This herb has a long association with healing wounds. It is also capable of controlling itching and pain making it an essential herb for shingles.

Turmeric – Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory.

Aloe – Aloe Vera soothes irritated skin, it is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.

When to call a doctor for shingles

If you are experiencing shingles symptoms and you notice a rash beginning to form, it is very important to see a physician preferably within 72 hours. This is because three of the antiviral drugs used to treat shingles needs to be administered early in the duration of the illness. When these drugs are administered early, they can lessen the length of the infection. They also help to heal the rash quickly, while lessening the intensity of the pain.

The nerve pain that lingers after the skin heals is called (herpetic neuralgia); unfortunately, the drugs are not effective on this element of the illness. However, help is readily available for people who suffer with herpetic neuralgia chronically. If your shingles pain becomes unbearable, please see your physician immediately. Not taking action can land you with severe nerve damage.