5 Natural Remedies to Treat Shingles
A viral infection that causes a painful rash and blisters in certain areas of the body is known as shingles. Even though it can occur on any part of the body, it more commonly appears on the left or right side of the face or torso.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus which is also responsible for causing chickenpox. It lies inactive in the nervous tissue near the brain after one has healed from chickenpox and can be reactivated at a later stage into shingles.
Even though it is not life-threatening, it can create extremely unpleasant repercussions. Some of the symptoms of shingles are;
- Burning pain
- Headaches
- Red blotches on the skin usually on one side of the body
- Tingling and numbness
- Itchy Blisters in clusters that secrete fluid
- Fever and fatigue
- Painful, red, and itchy lesions
These symptoms can cause extreme discomfort and pain, and sadly, it doesn't have a quick cure. Fortunately, though, there are natural remedies one can easily practice in the comfort of their own home which can aid in its relief.
Listed below are 5 home treatments for shingles one can adopt.
- Cold Compress
A moist cold compress placed on the infected area creates relief from pain and slows inflammation. Take a cotton towelette and soak it in cool water. Then rinse it thoroughly and use the damp remains as your wet press. This can be practised as many times a day as needed but do not use ice as a quick-fix as it could react adversely.
2. Cold Water Baths
Baths act as healing agents for irritated skin. Cleaning of the blisters with minimal rubbing help keep the infected area cleansed. Cold water baths help in relieving itchy sensations and aid in the prevention of scarring.
3. Skin Creams and Lotions
Due to the itchiness caused by shingles, it often leaves scarring and permanent marks well after recovery. Unscented lotions are the best option as the chemicals can have an adverse reaction. Even though they do not help in the healing process, they do provide comfort and create a soothing effect.
4. Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used as herbal remedies by a lot of people for many years now. They create similar soothing effects of unscented creams and have ingredients that have been proven to generate anti-inflammatory effects. Some of the recommended oils are eucalyptus, chamomile, and tea tree.
5. Baking Soda & Cornstarch
One of the many more ways to work towards the recovery of shingles is creating a paste using cornstarch or baking soda and water to naturally relieve itching caused by a shingles rash.
You can start with pouring two parts of cornstarch or baking soda into a cup, and adding one part water. Stir to get the desired consistency of the paste. Apply the mixture to your rash, and then rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat several times a day as needed.
However, it is important to get a doctor's consult to avoid unfavourable complications.
Conclusion
Shingles is not contagious but can cause chickenpox when in contact with people who still have not had it. Those who do contract this should adopt the above-mentioned treatments in addition to a healthy diet, quitting of smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.
So, what are you waiting for? Consult a doctor online, now!
Did you know? You can save over ₹5000 on annual health expenses by becoming a DocsApp Gold Member? DocsApp Gold provides unlimited consultations for you and your family in over 18 specialities for 1 year only at only ₹999!
