| Ailments and Self Help Department |
Shingles
About Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) are an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox - the varicella-zoster virus. The first sign of shingles is often burning or tingling pain, or sometimes numbness, in or under the skin.
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What Causes Shingles?
Any person who has had chickenpox is at risk for getting shingles. Scientists believe that in the original battle with varicella-zoster, some of the virus particles leave the skin blisters and move into the nervous system. When the varicella-zoster virus reactivates, the virus moves back down the long nerve fibers that extend from the sensory cell bodies to the skin and cause the characteristic blisters of shingles. Usually the cause is a decrease in your body's natural resistance, which may come through other infections, stress, being generally run down, or occasionally, when the body's immune defences are affected by certain drugs or other immune deficiencies.
What Can I Do About Shingles?
The main thing is to take regular pain relief (an analgesic), possibly even better an anti-inflammatory pain killer (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), as long as these do not upset you or interact with any medications you may be taking. In addition calamine lotion can help to soothe the area. Your doctor may want to prescribe a specific anti-viral agent, possibly in the form of treatment to be applied, or in the form of tablets. These are more likely to be used in someone whose eye is affected, or whose immune system is adversely affected by drugs or illness. If any of the blisters become infected with ordinary germs (bacteria) the area becomes more red and sore (inflamed) and may take longer to heal. The doctor may treat this with antibiotics, in the form of a cream, or orally. In some patients, the misery continues long after the rash has healed. Many people who develop shingles each year experience a complication called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). This term refers to pain that is present in the affected area for months, or even years, afterward. Although the acute pain of shingles and the chronic pain of PHN (called neuropathic pain) both originate in the nerve cells, their duration and the reaction to treatment is different. Yet another method used to treat PHN is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS.
Additional information
If you have shingles you should stay away from other people until the blisters have dried (approximately seven days), as there are virus particles in the blister fluid. Otherwise people who have not had chickenpox might catch it from you.
To be most effective, nutritional supplements work better in combination. It may be more beneficial to take a variety of Herbs or Nutrients for more rapid and complete healing...
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The following Combinations are those recommended for the treatment of Shingles.
Supplements:
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Vitamins :-
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A, B Complex, B12, C (large doses), E
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Minerals :-
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Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc
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Amino Acids :-
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L-Lysine
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Food Supplements :-
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Acidophilus, Lecithin, Rutin + Bioflavanoids
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Herbs :-
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Evening Primrose Oil (EPO GLA), Black Walnut (often combined with other herbs and nutrients in specific formula for the skin or herpes).
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Related Items:
(You can click on the product images for additional information)
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Caution: Always seek professional help for any serious disease. The products listed may be helpful in addition to Medical Treatment, however they are not intended to replace it. When in doubt seek Medical Advice.
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Lactobacillus acidophilus may assist in the relief of bloating, constipation, flatulence, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramping and irregular stools. It may improve allergies and atopic dermatitis. It may also be beneficial when you've taken antibiotics. As a bonus Lactobacillus acidophilus may help support your Urinary system.
Click on the images for more info.
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