Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This infection can occur anywhere in the body but the torso is the most prone to this. It is often a secondary outburst of chicken-pox. Blisters can hurt tremendously if not treated properly. With the help of home remedies, now it is possible to come around shingles. It is totally free of any side effect. All you need is the right knowledge.
The viral infection caused by a virus named varicella-zoster, which gives the painful rashes is termed as shingles. It can occur on any part of the body, but is generally found on the torso. The virus causing the shingle is the same virus which results the chicken pox. Once you got affected by Chicken pox, the virus may remains in your body and develop as shingles when you are ill and weak.
Home remedies to treat shingles
Take anti-inflammatory drug
Consider using ibuprofen to calm down the inflammation and to get relief from pain. Similarly Aspirin also works effectively. If your body is intolerant towards Ibuprofen and Aspirin, then go with the over-the-counter acetaminophen, which is your next choice to pick. It gives relief from the pain, though not suitable to reduce the inflammation of the shingle rashes. Codeine or other mild narcotics can also aid in reducing the pain in the early phase of shingles. However, consult your doctor for the perfect medicine to be used under the medication process.
Take a cool bath
In comforting the itchy and painful shingles on the skin, cool water can work active. Soak your body in the cold water tub for a few minutes, make sure it is not too cold – it leads to more pain due to the reaction of the skin. And then pat your skin with a neat towel.
Don’t use the towels that got contact with your skin rash in early or use them after washing thoroughly. The skin, which got scratched transfer the varicella-zoster virus.
Cool compress
Cool compress will work in the same way like a cold bath, it eases the pain and reduces the inflammation. Take a towel and soak it in the cold water for a minute, squeeze out the excess water and use it on the shingle rash for several times in an hour.
It is recommended to not use the towel that got the contact with the rash in the previous days, it may transfer the fungus. On the top of it, don’t use the ice packs.
Lotions
Pick up a lotion that has the soothing property, applying a lotion which is too much scented or perfumed may actually worse the condition, it irritates the rash and make you feel dis-comfortable. Go with a lotion like calamine lotion to use on the rashes area.
Immediately after applying the cream to the affected area, rinse off your hands in order to prevent the transmission of the virus from one to the other.
Natural pain relievers
Certain creams contain a pepper extract named capsaicin, which aids in the reduction of the shingles pain. Capsaicin is a natural pain reliever which is in the use for years. One need to consult the doctor before using such creams and it is also suggested to not use it for more than the recommended times in a day.
Don’t squeeze the blisters
Never squeeze the blisters though they are tempting you to do, it leads to the secondary infection and takes more time to heal.
Eat wisely
The virus causing shingles belongs to the herpes family therefore it is highly required that you should avoid foods that helps these herps to thrive. Arginine in foods must be avoided strictly for this very reason. On the other hand you need lysine protein in high amount to protect your body by strengthening the immunity system. Fill your pantry with lysine enriched foods such as meats, chicken, eggs, green vegetable, milk products. Avoid nuts, berries, chocolates.
Find relief with cold compress
A cold compress can provide you with an instant relief from the stinging sensation and irritation. For cold water compress, wrap an ice-cube in a cloth or towel; rub it on the affected area for 5-10 minutes. If you are using cold water, dip the cloth into chilled water, squeeze the excess water out and pat the cloth on the affected parts. You can also use an ice pack for cold compress. Continue this for 30 minutes. Apply a calamine lotion on the sores after the wet compress.
Use cornstarch
Cornstarch is a great ingredient for absorbing the moisture of the skin. It soaks the moist of the blisters folds so that they become dry and fall off. It also gets you rid of the itching and burning left by the rashes. Apply cornstarch onto the rashes with dry hands, let it rest for 10 minutes. Wash it off. Repeat this method twice a day. Note that you need to clean the skin with lukewarm water and pat it completely dry before using cornstarch. Wetness can lead to aggravate the growth of virus. Apply a topical cream after you’re done with this process.
Cure with tea tree oil
It is an amazing remedy for the viral infections. This oil is widely used in aromatherapy to heal all kinds of sores, blisters, patches. If you are tortured by the shingles, take a few drops of tea tree oil on your palm and lightly massage the sored area for quick relief.
Go with aloe vera
According to the reports of the numerous researches conducted, aloe gel, aloe leaf extract have found to work almost magically on skin sore, rashes and even the blisters of shingles.Aloe vera has a cooling effect that gives you relief from the burning sensation caused by the rashes. It also has anti-bacterial and antifungal qualities. Make this gel at your home; you don’t have to toil hard. Just get some fresh, juicy leaves and extract the gel from it. Rub the aloe gel gently on the skin; leave it for 15-20 minutes to absorb into the skin.
Stop the infection with lemon
Lemon juice is a great source of vitamin C.It is a strong antioxidant as well which cures the infections, keeps your skin protected and balances the pH level of the skin. Add 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice to 2-3 tbsp of honey. Apply this solution with a cotton ball on the affected area. You can also by lemon balm from the chemist which has marvelous anti-viral properties. Rub the balm 4 times a day to ease the pain.
Aid of apple cider vinegar
The list of the number of ailments it cures is endless to say the least. Its anti-viral nature has been clinically proven. This makes it a perfect home remedy to treat the sores and burning sensation caused by shingles. To use, mix ACV with cold water and wet compress the affected area. Along with that, for the protection from inside, drink ACV regularly by mixing it with a glass of warm water and a little honey for taste.
Soothing bath of baking soda and epsom salt
This is a remedy that will surely not leave you disappointed; rather you will be thankful for a pain-free life it will give. This bath effectively combats the lesion and reduces the swelling. All you need to do is to mix half cup of baking soda and almost one and a half cup of this salt in the bath tub of lukewarm water. Enjoy the bath and watch your sores bidding adieu to you.
