How to Get Rid of Shingles?

This condition has an unusual name and an interesting history that we’ll get into a bit later. But for now, let’s all agree that shingles is an infection of the herpes type that causes extreme pain. Adults who suffer from shingles are victims of the came virus that causes children to come down with chicken pox.

The virus continues to lie dormant in the body of an adult who had chicken pox as a child. Shingles can break out in later life if a person is weakened by illness or by a particular level of stress, for example. If you, or someone you know, have symptoms of shingles, it’s essential to get to a doctor right away. Don’t reject all of the home remedies or self-help ideas though. They can work for some people.

First of All
Treat the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers. This will help reduce the pain though more thorough treatment and long-term relief requires a physician’s assistance. Make use of pain relievers that have ibuprofen as an active ingredient or try one of the brand names such as Advil or Motrin. Since shingles is a skin condition that causes itching, you may also want to try a lotion or cream that has hydrocortisone as the active ingredient. This product is available at most stores. Some people find relief from anti-histamine products (Benadryl comes to mind).

Keep the affected areas clean with water and a mild soap. It’s wise not to scrub or rub vigorously because this will not only irritate the affected areas it may help the rash-like condition spread. Allow the skin to air dry. *Tip: Never bandage the shingles-affected area. You can get some relief with an ice pack or cool compress as well.

Medical Assistance
When you visit the doctor and talk about shingles he or she may prescribe anti-viral medications. These should reduce the symptoms of shingles. This treatment may be recommended in combination with anti-inflammatory medication (Prednisone is sometimes used). People who are in extreme pain may even be treated with prescription pain relievers. Surgery is definitely a last resort and is avoided at all costs.

And Another Thing…
It’s possible to set up some defense against shingles by boosting our immune systems with plenty of vitamins (A, C), selenium, zinc and lysine – always in moderate and recommended amounts. Some home remedies may also provide relief. You may find help with apple cider vinegar applied on the affected areas several times each day. The skin should be allowed to air dry after treatment. Some people are helped with larger amounts of Vitamin B-12 and/or Vitamin E.

Why do they call it shingles? According to Wikipedia, the formal name for the disease – herpes zoster – comes from the Greek “zoster,” which means “belt” or “girdle.” Shingles often appears in a belt-like stripe. The name “shingles” comes from the Latin word “cingulus,” which means girdle.

But don’t let the unusual name lead you to treat this disease lightly. See a doctor right away.

 Print This Page