Shingles

What is shingles?

A viral infection otherwise known as herpes Zoster caused by varicella zoster virus. It is a form of herpes particularly distinguished by skin rash, blisters and associated to this eruption is pain. The rash is often asymmetrical on the body. The most affected parts of the body include the face, eye orbitals, chest, thighs and on the back. The varicella zoster virus also causes chickenpox, which often affects most people in their childhood.

What causes shingles?

It is caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster in people formerly infected by chicken pox despite healing completely. The virus therefore remains dormant or inactive in the system. It is usually triggered by suppressed immune system seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy, HIV infected patients, Leukemia, cancer, stress and old age equally reduces the body's ability to fight infections.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Initial symptoms include an increased body temperature, headache, itch, pain and tingling sensations. Asymmetric skin rashes whereby they appear on one side of the body forming a pattern. Redness of the skin. The rash is in form of vesicles filled with fluid, usually clustered. The rash often occurs on the chest, face, arms, legs and other parts of the body, and may increase in a few days and occupy a larger area. Painful, swollen red eyes and blisters in the mouth and on the tongue can be observed too.

Natural treatments for shingles

-Oregano oil: apply on the blisters and use as often as required when in pain.

-garlic: crush fresh garlic, and only use the juice from it to dab on the rash. This might cause discomfort, but it heals the lesions faster.

-Epsom salts: add the salts into the bathing water, soak for 20 minutes daily. Pat dry after every bath to avoid bursting the blisters and cause yourself further pain. The towel should be washed before the next bath.

-Spices: add half of cayenne pepper powder and ginger to your meals, for internal effects.

-Tea tree oil: gently smear 2drops on the rash.

Zinc, vitamin c and vitamin B supplements: take them according to the instructions they are provided with, they shorten recovery time.

Honey: emphasis on the use of raw honey or rather the use of manuka honey. Mix it with coconut oil and apply onto the rash. Honey has soothing effects, it alleviates the pain and itch.  Use 2 tablespoons daily.



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