Shingles remedies in home

Shingles also known as herpes zoster is a disease caused by varicella-zoster virus – the same virus which causes chicken-pox. This virus lies in a dormant state in your nerves for years after you have chicken-pox and may reactivate as shingles in later years. Although the same virus is responsible for both chicken-pox and shingles, unlike chicken-pox you cannot get shingles from other person who is infected.

Early signs and symptoms are usually caused on one side of the body (which is an important sign for the diagnosis of the disease) which includes rashes, itching, burning, tingling, shooting pain and blisters. Band of blisters wrap one side of your middle back to chest to your backbone. Pain can be mild for some but severe and debilitating for others.

Neck, face, scalp and other parts of the body can also be involved. The major cause for developing shingles at a later stage may be lower immunity to infections as shingles is more common in older adults with weak immune system. Along with the antiviral or anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to relieve pain try the following shingles natural cures.

Cool bath – Add baking soda or uncooked oatmeal to your bath tub and take a comfortably cool or lukewarm water bath. Oatmeal and baking soda will have a soothing effect on the blisters.

Nail polish remover – Crush 2 aspirins into powder mix this with 2 tablespoons of acetone containing nail polish remover. With the help of a clean cotton ball, apply this mixture on the blisters where it can dry off easily. Avoid applying the solution in the folds of the skin and eyes where there is a possible chance of burning. This is one of very effective shingles home remedies and will provide instant relief which can last for several hours. The aspirin will help desensitize the affected nerve endings and acetone based nail polish remover will help remove oil, soap residue and dead skin from the skin.

Calamine lotion – Calamine lotion will act as an effective drying agent and help to deal with the pain and can stop the ooze. Rubbing alcohol can be mixed with calamine lotion or the lotion can be applied directly on the blisters.

Multivitamins – As shingles is mostly due to a weakened immune system, along with other shingles treatment multivitamin tablets can be taken. Supplements containing vitamin C, zinc and B-complex vitamins can be helpful. Before starting any multivitamin or herbal supplement consult your specialist for proper recommendation and dosage.

Hygiene – Clean the blisters with regular soap and water twice daily but never bandage them. If you have any open sore then take preventive measures to treat them first because if not taken care then these can cause secondary infections.

If you have blisters around the forehead or eye then consult a specialist immediately to avoid the risk of damage to the cornea. Severe pain should also be brought in notice as it may signify significant nerve damage.