Shingles

Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, is a form of the same herpes virus infection that causes chicken pox. After a childhood attack of chicken pox, the virus doesn't die but lies dormant in nerve cells. Later, it can be reactivated, producing intensely painful clumps of skin blisters. Shingles itself is not contagious, though open sores can transmit the chicken pox virus to young children or others who've never been infected.

The virus responsible for shingles is thought to become revitalized when the immune system is weakened by age, stress, the flu, or certain immune impairing drugs or illnesses. But no one knows for sure what causes the virus to resurface and produce symptoms.

Supplements and herbs

Therapies for shingles are designed for acute flare-ups (and are taken until lesions heal) and for post-shingles pain, which can persist for months or even years. The supplements for an acute shingles attack-which should be taken together-can be further divided into two main groups: topical therapies applied directly to skin lesions and supplements ingested to boost the immune system and help heal inflamed skin and nerves.

Topical treatments, such as aloe vera gel combined with vitamin E oil, may provide immediate relief. They act as soothing emollients, relieve pain and itching, enhance healing, and reduce the likelihood that shingles lesions will become infected. In addition, a cream of melissa or licorice applied to the affected areas of the skin may be effective.

For internal treatment during flare-ups, vitamin C, flavonoids, and vitamin A are antioxidants that help protect against cell damage. Along with the herbs Echinacea and goldenseal, they boost immune function, assisting in the fight against the herpes virus and bacterial skin infections. In addition, the amino acid lysine, as well as selenium and flaxseed oil, promote healthy skin growth and speed healing.

For lingering post-shingles pain, stick with what worked for you during the acute phase while adding vitamin E (400 IU twice a day) to protect against cell damage and vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg with 400 mcg of folic acid every morning) to nourish the sheath that covers and protects the nerves. Also try topical cayenne (capsaicin) cream to dull the pain.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are often very helpful for pain relief and recovery. Outbreaks near the eyes require medical attention.

• Arsenicum
  If a person feels chilly, anxious, restless, and exhausted during fever-and the burning pain of the eruptions is relieved by heat-this remedy may be indicated. Discomfort is often worse around midnight.
• Apis
  Swollen, tender eruptions with burning, stinging pain and itching suggest a need for this remedy. Symptoms are aggravated by warmth, and relieved by cold applications or exposure to cool air. The person may be irritable and very sensitive to touch.
• Iris versicolor
  This remedy is often helpful for herpes zoster infection that is accompanied by stomach problems with burning sensations and nausea. Eruptions may appear especially on the right side of the abdomen.
• Rhus tox
  This remedy may be indicated for a rash that begins with many small blisters, is red and intensely itchy, and is relieved by hot baths or hot wet compresses. Restlessness makes the person want to pace the room or constantly move around.

What else you can do

• Keep affected areas clean and dry. Never scratch or try to burst blisters, which can cause a bacterial infection.
• Use cool, wet compresses or ice packs to soothe the area and reduce pain. You can also apply calamine lotion to the skin.

How much to take

Aloe vera gel

Apply gel liberally to the skin as needed.
Use fresh aloe leaf or store-bought gel.

Vitamin E

Apply topical oil for acute attacks.
For post-shingles pain, take 400 IU orally twice a day.

Vitamin C / Flavonoids

1,000 mg vitamin C and 500 mg flavonoids 3 times a day.
Reduce vitamin C dose if diarrhea develops.

Vitamin A

25,000 IU twice a day for acute attacks (up to 10 days).
Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should not exceed 5,000 lU a day.

Echinacea / Goldenseal

200 mg Echinacea and 125 mg goldenseal 4 times a day.
Use only during acute stage; available as combination.

Lysine

1,000 mg L-lysine 3 times a day only during acute stage.
Take on an empty stomach; don't take with milk.

Selenium

600 mcg ad ay only during acute stage.
Don't exceed 600 mcg daily; higher doses may be toxic.

Flaxseed oil

1 tbsp (14 grams} a day for flare-ups.
Can be mixed with food; take in the morning.

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