Shingles - Symptoms

Varicella zoster , the virus that causes shingles, is a herpes virus. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is an acute infection caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Shingles is known for its extreme pain and long healing time, although not all infections are so severe. It typically appears along one nerve branch on one side, along the back and chest or on the face. Before the characteristic skin blistering develops, the skin is highly sensitive and burns with pain a few days or even two weeks before the eruption. Shingles can also begin with general flu-like symptoms of aching, chills and fever. As the condition progresses, the skin becomes red and very painful to touch. When groups of water-filled blisters emerge, the diagnosis is clear. As the eruptions heal, they open and form crusts.

In most cases, the period of recovery is about two or three weeks from the appearance of the rash, though the nerve pains can last longer. Scarring is not common, though it can occur. Although shingles can resolve as a normal infection does, in some cases and particularly in the elderly, nerve pain lasts years after the skin symptoms subside. Shingles on the face can also affect the eye and cause serious complications. It is more likely to occur in those over the age of fifty, though it appears at any age.

Dietary Modification

Some practitioners advise people with shingles to avoid foods with high arginine-to-lysine ratios, such as nuts (especially peanuts) and chocolate. Non-fat yogurt and other non-fat dairy is one way to increase lysine intake. This dietary advice for shingles has not been subjected to scientific study.

Whole grains and legumes provide B vitamins, which are important for nerve health. Eggs and fish provide vitamins B12 and B1, which are especially important in treating shingles. Yellow, orange and green vegetables - particularly carrots - and citrus fruits provide vitamins A and C, which assist in the healing of skin lesions. Green, leafy vegetables provide calcium and magnesium, important for the health of nerve endings and the transmission of nerve impulses.

Lifestyle modifications

Stress and depression have been linked to outbreaks of shingles in some, but not all, studies. A small, preliminary study found that four children with shingles outbreaks, but who were otherwise healthy, all reported experiencing severe, chronic child abuse when the shingles first appeared. Among adults, how a stressful event is perceived appears to be more important than the event itself. In one study, people with shingles experienced the same kinds of life events in the year preceding the illness as did people without the condition; however, recent events perceived as stressful were significantly more common among people with shingles.

Supplement Treatment Options

Some practitioners have observed that injections of vitamin B12 appear to relieve the symptoms of post-herpetic neuralgia. Oral vitamin B12 supplements have not been tested, but they are likely to have less impact against post-herpetic neuralgia.

Some practitioners have found vitamin E to be effective for people with post-herpetic neuralgia—even those who have had the problem for many years. The recommended amount of vitamin E orally is 400 – 800 IU per day for short-term neuralgia; and up to 1,200–1,600 IU per day (this is a very high dose and should thus be monitored very carefully). In addition, vitamin E oil (30 IU per gram) can be applied to the skin. Several months of continuous vitamin E use may be needed in order to see an improvement.

Vitamin C is excellent for supporting the immune system and acts as an antiviral agent. Vitamin C should be taken up to bowel tolerance and withdrawn from therapy on a gradual basis to avoid a rebound deficiency. Bioflavonoids improve the absorption and use of vitamin C in the body and should be taken as well.

Other supplements that help include zinc with copper, and coenzyme Q10. Drink aloe vera juice daily, as well as green juices.

The hot component of cayenne pepper, known as capsaicin, is used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia. In a double-blind trial, a cream containing 0.075% capsaicin, applied TID–QID to the painful area, greatly reduced pain. In another study, a preparation containing a lower concentration of capsaicin (0.025%) was also effective. Two or more weeks of treatment may be required to get the full benefit of the cream.

One case report has been published concerning a patient with post-herpetic neuralgia who experienced dramatic analgesia from topical application of 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil to the affected area 3 or 4 times per day. The oil was diluted by 80% with almond oil; the diluted preparation did not cause redness, and continued to produce "adequate" though somewhat less-pronounced analgesia.

Licorice has been used by doctors as a topical agent for shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. Glycyrrhizin, one of the active components of licorice, has been shown to block the replication of Varicella zoster. Licorice gel is usually applied three or more times per day. Licorice gel is not widely available but an adequate alternative is to mix licorice tincture with an aqueous gel or cream and apply.

Wood betony(Stachys betonica) is a traditional remedy for various types of nerve pain. It has not been studied specifically as a remedy for post-herpetic neuralgia.

St. John’s Wort and horsetail juice help rebuild nerves.

Cabbage-leaf poultices help absorb toxins and speed healing.

Intestinal tract cleansing with extract or tincture of black walnut, comfrey, kelp and lady’s slipper along with aloe vera juice daily helps remove toxins which irritate the skin.

Drink goldenrod and rose hip tea three times daily to stimulate the kidneys.

Mix 1 part tea tree oil with ten parts olive oil or any other cold-pressed oil. Warm mixture and apply to painful area two to three times daily until pain subsides. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to warm water to wash the affected areas. Pat dry with a cotton cloth and apply drying powder to open blisters or dab on fresh plant extract of lemon balm and calendula.

Echinacea in high dosages works well for pain control. Take 1 tsp. of the tincture hourly or more often as required.

Homeopathic Rhus tox is useful when blisters emerge that are not only painful but very itchy, and warmth brings relief. The pain is worse at night and less noticeable when moving about.

Homeopathic Arsenicum album is another common remedy for shingles that are relieved by warmth and are worse at night, causing great restless anxiety. The skin burns with pain.

Homeopathic Mezereum helps itchy, oozing crusts to heal. The itching is worse with warmth. Lasting neuralgic pains that shoot along the nerve after the skin has healed are often helped by this remedy.

Homeopathic Ranunculus bulbosus for severe burning and itching, which gets worse from touching the skin, moving about or eating.

If swelling and stinging pains predominate, improve with cold and become aggravated by heat, use Homeopathic Apis.

Tissue salts Ferr phos is effective in the first stage of inflammation with burning pain.
Tissue salts Kali phos is the chief tissue salt in the case of shingles with watery, itchy
Tissue salts Nat mur is indicated when the blisters are filled with clear, watery substance and there is burning and itching.
Alternatively, use Kali mur if the blisters contain white pus

External/Physical Therapies

During an outbreak, apply healing clay or quark compresses.

Vinegar compresses help to relieve nerve pain. After the shingles attack subsides and the blisters dry up, mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water, moisten a clean cotton face-cloth with this solution; wring slightly and rub affected area with the moist towel upwards towards the heart. Repeat this procedure uninterrupted for an hour daily, if needed.

Other suggestions

Intravenous Vitamin C can halt shingles before infection becomes serious. It also reduces the pain associated with this disorder

Zinc ointments applied topically to the blisters speeds healing.

Acupuncture may be helpful in some cases of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. Anecdotal case reports of people treated with electroacupuncture (acupuncture with applied electrical current) described improvement in seven of eight people.

Hypnosis has improved or cured some cases of post-herpetic neuralgia, as well as the acute pain of shingles.

For further information, contact:

Tracy S Gates

Director, PURE BIO LTD.

Telephone: 01403 730342

Email: info@purebio.co.uk