Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a distressing skin condition characterized by a painful, blistering rash. It results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus can remain dormant in the nerve tissues of the spinal cord and brain for years following the initial chickenpox infection.
Although shingles is not life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort, particularly in older adults or those with weakened immune systems. To manage this condition, many turn to natural remedies to complement medical treatments. While a vaccine can reduce the risk of shingles, it doesn't eliminate it entirely, making the exploration of natural remedies a valuable aspect of managing the symptoms and discomfort associated with this condition.
Shingles typically manifests as a red rash on a small section of one side of the body, usually following several days of pain, burning, numbness, itching, or tingling. This rash often develops into fluid-filled blisters or crusty sores. Additionally, shingles can cause general body aches, fever, and fatigue.
Natural Remedies for Managing Shingles
Shingles, characterized by painful blisters and nerve pain, can be effectively managed with various natural remedies, as reported by users on Earth Clinic. These remedies, recognized as some of the most effective on the site, focus on alleviating discomfort and promoting healing.
Antifungal Cream
Antifungal creams, particularly clotrimazole, have emerged as a surprisingly effective remedy for shingles, offering relief from symptoms and aiding in recovery. While primarily designed to treat fungal infections like athlete's foot, these creams have shown potential in managing shingles, which is caused by a virus.
Application and Effectiveness
- Use of Clotrimazole: Applying clotrimazole cream to shingles-affected areas can provide relief. It's theorized that the cream's properties may interfere with the virus, aiding in the healing process.
The Underlying Mechanism
The effectiveness of antifungal cream against shingles may be due to its potential to penetrate a protective layer that viruses might possess. This penetration allows for more effective treatment, akin to how a wetting agent breaks down mold before bleach can dissolve it. While this theory could benefit from further scientific explanation, the anecdotal evidence from a number of readers suggests a promising avenue for shingles treatment.
A Hollywood-based reader detailed her positive experience with clotrimazole antifungal cream for shingles treatment in one of the initial posts discussing the use of an antifungal for this condition in 2007. She found that applying this cream, followed by Clorox disinfectant the next day, alleviated the shingles and prevented its recurrence for more than five years. This suggests that the antifungal cream might be crucial in breaking down the virus's defenses, making it more susceptible to treatment.
Finely Ground Aspirin in Moisturizer
Using ground aspirin mixed into a water-based cream has emerged as an innovative treatment method for shingles, offering pain relief and potential antiviral benefits. This successful approach, shared by Art Solbrig from California, involves integrating easily dissolvable, uncoated aspirin into a cream for topical application.
Preparation and Application
- Creating the Mixture: Start with 6 inexpensive, uncoated aspirin that dissolve quickly in water. Grind the aspirin into a fine powder and blend it thoroughly into 1 oz of a water-based cream or moisturizer.
- Applying to Affected Areas: Apply the aspirin-infused cream directly to the shingles rash. This method is particularly beneficial for providing rapid pain relief.
Advantages of Topical Aspirin Application
- Enhanced Pain Relief: Topical application of aspirin in a cream form can offer immediate and localized pain relief, which might be more effective than oral consumption for shingles pain.
- Antiviral Properties: Research indicates that aspirin possesses antiviral qualities. When applied topically, the localized concentration of aspirin is much higher, potentially slowing down viral replication more effectively than oral doses.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies cited in the post suggest aspirin's role as an antiviral agent, indicating its potential effectiveness against the varicella-zoster virus responsible for shingles.
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1594261
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11273312
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11703529
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9812322
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a favored remedy for shingles on Earth Clinic. This natural and multifaceted substance has a centuries-old history of use and is celebrated for its ability to alleviate and heal various conditions, shingles included.
External Use
- Apple Cider Vinegar Bath: Add 2-4 cups of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with warm water for a soothing whole-body treatment. Soak in this bath for about 15 to 20 minutes. The vinegar’s natural properties may help to soothe itchiness and promote healing of the rash.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Compress: Dilute apple cider vinegar with equal water to create a gentle solution. Soak a clean cloth in this mixture and apply it directly to the affected areas as a compress. This can help in reducing the itching and discomfort associated with shingles. Ensure that the solution is lukewarm and not too hot or cold.
Topical Application
- Direct Application: Carefully dab a small amount of undiluted apple cider vinegar onto the shingles rash with a cotton ball or pad. This method is best suited for small areas and can be repeated several times a day. The antiviral properties of ACV may help in combating the virus while its acidic nature can aid in drying out the blisters.
- Diluted ACV Lotion: If direct application is too harsh, especially for sensitive skin, mix apple cider vinegar with a soothing lotion or carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply this mixture gently to the affected areas. This can provide a more moisturizing effect while still delivering the benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Cautions
- Do not apply apple cider vinegar to open sores or raw areas as it can cause irritation.
- If you experience any discomfort or adverse reaction, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
BHT
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a compound commonly used as a food preservative, has been reported by users as an effective natural remedy for shingles. Individuals have shared their experiences with BHT, highlighting its potential in reducing pain and managing symptoms.
Topical Application
A user from Cupertino, California, emphasized the efficacy of BHT when applied topically. They suggest dissolving 10-15% BHT by weight in refined coconut oil and applying it to one side of the body affected by shingles, leaving the other side as a control. This method allows for a direct comparison, demonstrating the effectiveness of BHT in reducing shingles pain within hours. The user notes that while BHT from the treated area can distribute to the untreated side, the difference in pain relief is still noticeable.
Internal Use
Another user from Hawaii shared their long-term experience with BHT. Approximately 35 years ago, they dealt with shingles and used a combination of melissa oil, vitamin C, lysine, and vitamin B5. More recently, they undertook a regimen of BHT (1/4 teaspoon daily for several months) and reported significant improvement, with no shingles flare-ups since. They plan to continue BHT usage periodically as both a preventive measure for shingles and potentially for other viral conditions.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil has emerged as a beneficial natural remedy for managing shingles symptoms. Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, geranium oil can provide significant relief from the pain and discomfort associated with shingles.
Neem Leaf Poultice
Neem leaves are renowned for their antiviral properties, making them effective against the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles. Applying a poultice made from neem leaves directly to the skin rashes can aid in their healing. Bathing in water infused with neem leaves can provide relief and promote recovery from shingles.
Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal baths are highly effective in alleviating the itching associated with shingles. Grind oatmeal into a fine powder and mix it into tepid bath water for a soothing effect.
Dietary Changes
The L-Lysine to L-Arginine ratio in your body significantly impacts shingles. Since the virus thrives more in an environment with higher levels of L-arginine, it's advisable to limit foods rich in arginine such as nuts, tomatoes, grapes, chocolate, blueberries, and blackberries. Conversely, incorporating lysine-rich foods like dairy products, apricots, pears, apples, pineapples, and asparagus can be beneficial in managing shingles.
Cold Compresses
Applying a cold compress can provide immediate relief from itching. Simply dip a clean washcloth in cool water and place it over the shingles blisters.
Calendula
Calendula, known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, is widely recommended by herbalists for shingles. Applying calendula oil, lotion, or gel several times a day can help soothe itching and accelerate the healing of blisters.
Capsaicin Ointment
Capsaicin, found in red pepper, acts as a natural painkiller by exhausting the neurotransmitter known as Substance P, which transmits pain signals to the brain. Capsaicin ointments are readily available at health food stores, pharmacies, and online. Alternatively, you can create a homemade version by mixing finely powdered red pepper with a base ointment or moisturizing lotion. However, it's crucial to avoid applying capsaicin on broken skin and to conduct a patch test on a small skin area to check for allergic reactions.
Honey
Research indicates that honey possesses antiviral properties effective against the varicella-zoster virus. Applying raw, organic honey to affected skin areas can aid in healing due to its soothing effects.
Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s Earth clay is beneficial for drying out shingles blisters. Create a paste using Fuller’s Earth clay and water, and apply it to a gauze-covered cloth. Place this poultice on the rash at least twice daily for best results.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil, containing menthol, provides a cooling effect that can alleviate itching and burning sensations associated with shingles.
Chamomile Bath
Chamomile is renowned for its soothing properties. Adding chamomile to bath water can offer significant relief from the itching caused by shingles.
Licorice Gel
Licorice contains Glycyrrhizin, an active compound that inhibits the varicella-zoster virus replication. Applying a homemade extract, made by boiling licorice in water, to the blisters can be an effective traditional treatment for shingles.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf extract exhibits antiviral properties against the varicella-zoster virus. Its use can be beneficial in treating and managing shingles, helping reduce viral activity.
Key Symptoms Include:
- Tingling, sharp pain, and itching on a specific skin area.
- A rash appearing 1-5 days after the initial pain.
- Blisters forming, sometimes merging into a red band resembling a severe burn.
- Possible rash development on the ears, face, eyes, and mouth.
- Inflammation around the rash area.
- In some cases, an extensive rash similar to chickenpox.
- Blisters typically dry out within 7 to 10 days, possibly leaving minor scars.
- Shingles generally last 2-4 weeks.
- In certain instances, pain may occur without a rash, or a rash may appear without associated pain.
Additional Symptoms May Include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- General malaise
- Chills
- Weakness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Stomach issues
Complications in People with Weakened Immune Systems:
- Potential development of pneumonia, brain inflammation, or in severe cases, death.
- About 10-20% of shingles patients experience postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
- Peripheral motor neuropathy occurs in 5-10% of cases.
- Inflammation of the spinal cord or brain.
- Eye complications.
- Formation of white patches in the rash area.
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
- Muscle weakness.
Most people with shingles do not experience severe complications, but these risks highlight the importance of early detection and management.
Please continue reading to learn some of the most effective home remedies sent by our readers to heal the painful shingles, blisters and nerve pain. The most popular treatment is apple cider vinegar. Still, our readers have also reported success using acidophilus, topical aspirin lotion, antifungal cream, aloe vera, cayenne pepper, colloidal silver, coconut oil, and many other remedies.
Let us know what you have tried to treat shingles! Do you know of a remedy not yet listed here? Please don't hesitate to share it with us!