Natural Cures for Shingles

Shingles is a very painful and often debilitating condition caused by the herpes zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. After an episode of chickenpox the virus lies dormant, sometimes for years, and then reactivates itself causing first sensitivity and then pain in the area served by the nerve. A rash appears within about five days, first as small red spots then blisters. Within about two days the blisters become yellow and crusted, dropping off within about two weeks but occasionally leaving scarring. The pain may persist for months or even years.

Shingles often begins with pain or tingling. Then a red rash appears that's soon followed by blisters. The blisters may last anywhere from five days to possibly four weeks and then crust over and disappear. One important clue that you've got shingles: The blistery rash will appear on only one side of the body, most commonly on the trunk, buttocks, or face.

Crisco shortening will relieve pain caused by shingles, as will breaking open a Vitamin C capsule. I broke out with them once on a family trip to Tennessee to visit relatives. I was 9 years old and my pain was making the trip UNBERABLE for my parents and me. An older lady from way back in the hills told us about the shortening and as soon as they rubbed it on me, I was soothed and playing. Just rub it on the area and re-apply when the pain or itching returns. The vitamin C caps work but not 1/2 as well.

Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water. Moisten a clean cotton face-cloth with this solution. Wring slightly and rub affected area with the moist towel upwards towards the heart after the shingles attack subsides and the blisters dry up. Repeat this procedure for an hour daily, as needed.

Apply an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion to the affected area. A nonprescription hydrocortisone cream, containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone, can temporarily relieve the itch. A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), may be helpful if itching is severe.

One good home remedy is oatmeal baths or the use of oatmeal soap. This can help soothe the burning sores. Another over-the-counter remedy is calamine lotion or any kind of lotion designed to deal with burns or insect bites. Putting the lotion in the refrigerator first will make the application a cooling relief. Ice can be used for very short periods - 3 to 4 minutes at a time. The same applies for a bag of frozen peas or corn is a relief.

Cool the pain. Cold packs can help relieve the pain from hot, blistered skin. Gently place a cold cloth on the blisters or wrap a towel around the affected area and pour ice water on it. Apply for 20 minutes, then leave off for 20 minutes, and repeat until the pain decreases. You can also try a cold milk compress in the same manner.

Shingles may not be a deadly disease but it may prove to be dangerous for people suffering from HIV infection or getting cancer treatments, as the immune system is very weak. People who are getting organ transplants are also under threat as doctors suppress the immune system with drugs.