If you have had chicken pox, or the chicken pox vaccination in the past, you may face a secondary outbreak of the chicken pox virus sometime later in life. This condition is known as shingles, and is caused by the reactivation of the herpes zoster virus that causes chicken pox and remains dormant in your body till it gets an opportunity to strike again when your immunity is compromised. It usually appears in circular patterns on your skin, where painful blistering may occur, accompanied by burning and itching.
The name shingles comes from the Latin word for belt because of its appearance around your body’s trunk, though it may also appear on the face. It takes about four weeks to completely heal. Some people experience after effects in the area for years as sharp shooting pains, a condition called herpetic neuralgia. Shingles is commonly seen in people above the age of 50 as their immune system gets weaker with age. Injury, stress, or a disease that leaves your body weak and affects your immune system, makes the body more prone to this infection. These natural cures will help you to deal with the pain and itching due to shingles.
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1. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is very soothing for your body and can be used effectively as a natural cure for treating shingles pain. Add a cup of finely powdered oatmeal to your bathtub. Use lukewarm water for the bath. Soak in this bath for around half an hour. It will help moisturize your body and ease the itching sensation caused by shingles. Instead of oatmeal, even baking soda can be used to relieve the itching.
2. White Vinegar
Shingles can cause a lot of pain and itching in the blistered areas of your body. Add one teaspoon of white vinegar to a cup of cool water. Soak a soft cotton cloth in this solution, squeeze out the excess liquid, and apply over the affected areas very gently. This will help alleviate the pain and itching due to shingles. This application should be done several times a day in order to enable faster healing.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera possesses immense healing properties and is used as a natural cure for many skin conditions. It can be used to treat shingles pain effectively. Cut a leaf from aloe vera plant and apply the gel like liquid that is inside the leaf all over the affected areas. It will provide an instant soothing effect and help relieve the itching. Regular application will help in quicker healing of the blisters and rashes. Refrigerate the leaf and use it for three to four days. You can also apply aloe vera gel that is readily available in all health stores.
4. Consume Yogurt
Yogurt contains good bacteria which aid your digestive system and help remove harmful toxins from your body. It is also a great source of vitamin B which is essential for keeping your overall health good and is very helpful in improving the condition of the skin. So, have lots of yogurt to combat the effects of shingles pain. Have plain fresh yogurt; the sweetened and preserved variation is not suitable for health.
5. Plantain
Plantain is a natural remedy for shingles that works wonders in relieving the pain and provides quick healing. Simply grind the plantain and mix with a little warm water to make a paste. Make a poultice using this paste and apply on the painful areas of your body. It will soothe the pain and itching in the area. You can also add a few mint leaves to the plantain while making the paste. This gives even better results.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is used widely for culinary purposes, but this spice has also been used since centuries as a natural cure for many health ailments. It possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which makes it ideal as a natural cure for shingles pain. You can make a paste of turmeric powder and apply over the affected areas. This will provide relief from the shingles pain and also help healing by preventing infections on the site.
6. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin that gives it the spicy property. These compounds bring relief from shingles pain as they block pain signals from the nerves that are just under your skin. You can mix a little cayenne pepper with any moisturizing lotion and apply over the affected areas. It numbs the nerve endings and provides relief from pain due to shingles. You can also get a capsaicin ointment from the market and keep it handy.
7. Calendula Lotion
Calendula is an herb that is used to treat many skin conditions, especially wounds and burns. It is an effective natural cure for treating pain due to shingles as it has a numbing effect. You can apply some calendula lotion on the affected areas thrice a day to get relief from the pain and itching from shingles. It will also help heal the blisters effectively and prevent any infection at the site.
8. Eat Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are rich sources of natural vitamin C which helps in fighting inflammation and keeps your skin cells healthy. If you are suffering from shingles pain, eating citrus fruits is the best way to fight this infection. Oranges, lemons, cherries, tomatoes, mango and all other such fruits are beneficial as a natural cure for shingles pain. You can also have citrus fruits juices throughout the day.
9. Foods To Avoid
Avoid dairy products, meat, processed foods, refined flour, or anything that is too heavy on your system. An episode of shingles leaves your body and your digestion becomes sluggish. It is best to avoid deep fried and junk foods which are hard to process. Avoid hot and spicy foods as they will increase the pain and irritation due to shingles. Raw, organic fruits and vegetables are preferred in your condition. Good nutrition is an important natural cure for shingles pain.
10. Get Some Rest
Shingles pain can be quite irritating and tough to handle. It leaves your body weak, so it’s best to take some bed rest while you heal. This is also important as you may spread the infection to other people who have not had chicken pox earlier. Wash your linen frequently and maintain good hygiene.
