Herpes Zoster is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, responsible for both chickenpox and zoster, which remains latent in the nerve ganglia until it is reactivated.
We are faced with an acute skin disease that corresponds to the infection of a nerve. Precisely because it hits a nerve, this problem manifests itself in such a painful way.
Shingles or herpes zoster in the past was also called ‘Satan’s flames’, to underline how painful and annoying it was for those who were suffering from it. However, the most common common name for this disease remains St. Anthony’s fire and the reason is very simple: in the past, St. Anthony the Abbot was invoked to intervene for healing. According to legend, Sant’Antonio Abate, in addition to being the patron saint of domestic animals, is linked to fire thanks to which he miraculously put the invaders to flight and thus saved the inhabitants of a city.
Symptoms of shingles
Before the appearance of the blisters the patient may have localized pain, tingling, hypersensitivity or fever, even without a rash in the first few days. Then a redness similar to urticaria appears on the skin which then worsens with the appearance of the blisters typical of shingles, filled with serum. Meanwhile the fever continues. Gradually the vesicles fill with blood until they turn into crusts before disappearing. Shingles usually appear on the chest or side but can also appear on the face and other areas of the body.
Causes of shingles
Shingles or herpes zoster is caused by the childhood chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus). It should not be confused with herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores. However, both viruses, herpes zoster and herpes simplex, belong to the same family.I
Shingles does not directly transmit a new episode of herpes zoster, but it can transmit the chickenpox virus to those who have never had it or are not vaccinated: those who contract the virus will develop chickenpox, not herpes zoster.
Herpes zoster is a disease known since ancient times. In the past, however, its correlation with chickenpox was not known.
Shingles is a reactivation of latent chickenpox virus infection, and this means that zoster can only occur in individuals who have already had chickenpox. The immune system is able to eliminate the virus in most places in the body, but it remains latent in the ganglion adjacent to the spinal cord (dorsal ganglion) or in the Gasser ganglion at the base of the skull.
Shingles can affect people of any age and is very contagious until scabs have formed. Our immune system is normally able to prevent and suppress herpes zoster infection, but sometimes it happens anyway, for reasons that are not yet entirely clear.
Shingles could therefore be linked to a weakening of the immune system.
Natural Remedies to Relieve Shingles
Shingles typically resolves within two weeks (it must run its course) but complications can arise, such as involvement of the trigeminal nerve and the appearance of secondary infections.
Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication and may persist for months or years after the lesions have healed, with neuropathic pain that may not respond to standard analgesics.
Your doctor will be able to advise you on how best to intervene in case of herpes zoster and thanks to your trusted herbalist and pharmacist you will be able to learn more about the possibility of using some natural remedies to alleviate the discomfort of herpes zoster.
Healing baths
Cleaning shingles blisters daily can reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Taking a cool bath or shower can also soothe your skin and calm itching.
You can also take a healing bath to reduce symptoms. Pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch into warm bath water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t use hot water, as it can make blisters worse as the heat increases blood flow. Dry yourself gently with a towel and then wash it to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Cold, wet compresses
In addition to bathing to relieve pain and itching, you can also try applying a cool, moist compress.
Soak a cloth in cold water, wring it out, and apply it to the rash and blisters. You can apply a cold compress several times a day to relieve symptoms. The cold compress can also help reduce pain, but do not apply an ice pack to the rash, extreme cold can increase skin sensitivity and make the pain worse.
Paste of baking soda and corn starch
To relieve itching, you can also try making a paste with cornstarch or baking soda. Pour two parts cornstarch or baking soda into a cup. Add a part of water to obtain the desired consistency. Apply the mixture to the rash. Rinse after 10-15 minutes. Repeat several times a day as needed.
Soothing lotions and creams
Scratching the rash can cause scarring and prolong the blisters, if the itching does not improve after a healing bath or application of baking soda paste, try using soothing lotions and creams.
Lotions and creams do not speed up the healing process, but they can increase comfort. Avoid scented lotions, which can cause further irritation.
Use them sparingly: generous application can prevent sores from drying out and prolong healing. For the same reasons, do not use antibiotic ointments on sores.
If you decide to use creams or lotions, look for those that contain capsaicin, capsaicin has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps relieve pain. The pain may increase initially, but will gradually decrease.
Capsaicin cream works by reducing pain signals sent to the brain and can be applied lightly three to four times a day.
You can also apply calamine lotion after a bath or shower to soothe irritated skin and help dry blisters.
Dietary remedies
A weakened immune system makes it more difficult for the body to recover from shingles. Some dietary changes can strengthen your immune system and prevent the spread of the virus.
A diet suitable for shingles includes foods rich in vitamins A, B-12, C and E, and the amino acid lysine. Foods that promote healing include: orange and yellow fruits, leafy green vegetables, red meat, eggs, chicken, wild fish, dairy products, whole grains, legumes, beans, tomatoes and spinach.
Foods to avoid include: foods and juices with high amounts of sugar, foods rich in arginine (such as chocolate, gelatin, and dried fruit), refined carbohydrates, and foods high in saturated fat. Excessive consumption of these foods can weaken the immune system and potentially prolong the virus.
Naiuoli essential oil
The French pharmacist expert in natural remedies Daniele Festy in the book “My Bible of essential oils” suggests using naiuoli essential oil in case of herpes zoster: apply 2 drops of naiuoli essential oil directly on the painful area, repeat 4-6 times a day.
Blend of essential oils
Daniele Festy herself suggests the preparation of a mixture consisting of: 10 drops of St. John’s wort vegetable oil, 2 drops of lavender spica essential oil, 2 drops of peppermint essential oil, 2 drops of ravintsara essential oil and 4 drops of naiuoli essential oil. He suggests applying the mixture topically to the affected nerve tract 6 times a day until improvement. You may suggest that your pharmacist prepare this mixture for you and advise you on further details for its use.
Acupuncture
Those who know acupuncture also know how effective it can be for relieving pain. Acupuncture can also be applied in case of herpes zoster. The experienced acupuncturist will know which points to intervene on. Acupuncture can mitigate pain and possibly accompany the taking of medications, always on the advice and prescription of the doctor. More information here.
Ribes Nigrum
Some scientific studies have evaluated or are investigating the effectiveness of Ribes Nigrum glyceric macerate in the case of shingles. Ribes Nigrum glycerine macerate is usually used to relieve the symptoms of allergies, inflammation and infections. It could also help provide relief for shingles. More information here.
We recommend that you avoid DIY in the case of shingles as it is a very delicate problem. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist and herbalist before starting to take or apply any medicine or natural remedy in order to preserve your health.
Have you ever used natural remedies for shingles? Tell us your experience.
