Anuradha Varanasi
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Written By: Anuradha Varanasi | Updated : May 25, 2016 6:03 PM IST
Read this article in HINDI.
Shingles is a chronic skin infection that mainly afflicts adults. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus which is also called varicella-zoster and this same virus is responsible for chicken pox. This virus lives in your body in a latent state after you have had chickenpox. Some years later, when this virus gets reactivated due to low immunity, some adults get shingles.
The worst part of dealing with shingles is symptoms such as blisters that are initially filled with fluid before a crust forms over it. Shingles can spread by person-to-person contact only if the skin rashes and blisters still haven t crusted over. These are the 4 dos and don'ts of herpes.
Once your skin starts breaking out, it can be painful and cause other symptoms like headaches and even flu. It is treated with antiviral medicines but you could also try these five natural remedies along with your conventional treatment for quicker relief:
1. Vitamin C
Studies have found that ascorbic acid or vitamin C is helpful in reducing pain caused by shingles [1]. This is because vitamin C can help in strengthening your immune system and fighting against the herpes zoster virus. You could take it in the form of supplements and consult your doctor for the right dosage. These are the 15 ways vitamin C keeps you healthy.
2. Raw Honey
Honey is one of the most effective home when it comes to a wide range of skin conditions. Studies have found that honey has antibacterial and most importantly, antiviral properties which makes it a cheap and easily available home remedy for shingles [2]. Simply apply a thin layer of honey on the affected areas and leave it on for a few hours. Did you know, raw honey can lower your risk of heart attack?
3. Capsaicin or cayenne pepper cream
Capsaicin cream has soothing effects on the skin and can help in reducing skin irritation caused by shingles [3]. You can easily find this cream product online. Despite how spicy it might taste, studies have found that it has pain relieving compounds. Other than this, capsaicin can also kill cancer cells.
4. Hibiscus
The hibiscus or shoeflower, as it is most commonly called in India is an easily available and cheap home remedy for shingles [3]. Make a fine paste of the petals with the help of a few drops of water and apply it on the affected areas.
5. Licorice
Just like honey and vitamin C, licorice also has antiviral properties [3]. You could either use licorice powder or in the form of a tea. Mix a few drops of water to powder and make a fine paste and apply it on the areas worse affected by the herpes zoster virus. If you have licorice tea, use a cotton ball for application.
References
[1] Schencking M, Vollbracht C, Weiss G, et al. Intravenous Vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: Results of a multicenter prospective cohort study.Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research. 2012;18(4):CR215-CR224. doi:10.12659/MSM.882621.
[2] Shahzad A, Cohrs RJ. In vitro antiviral activity of honey against varicella zoster virus (VZV): A translational medicine study for potential remedy for shingles. Translational biomedicine. 2012;3(2):2. doi:10.3823/434.
[3] Antiviral Res. 1987 Feb;7(2):99-107.Antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin against varicella-zoster virus in vitro. Baba M, Shigeta S.
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