6 Ways Of Treating Shingles At Home
Shingles are a skin infection that causes stubborn rashes or blisters on the infected part. It is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When the virus attacks, the skin becomes red and inflamed.
Shingles can be treated with antiviral medicines. Also, you can try home remedies to cure a painful skin infection.
Here’re 6 proven home remedies for curing shingles
- Oatmeal Baths
A quick oatmeal bath could be refreshing as oatmeal improves the skin barrier against rashes. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin. Also, it has amazing skin-cleansing properties that can remove dirt and other pollutants from the skin. Taking an oatmeal bath can calm the itchiness and inflammation associated with shingles.
For an oatmeal bath, you need a cup of oatmeal powder that you can get by grinding the oatmeal. Add this powder to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Stir the water to mix the oatmeal. Soak in the tub for half an hour after which you can rinse your body with normal water and pat dry your body.
The advantage of an oatmeal bath is that you can take it daily and it won’t take you much time in soaking in the oatmeal water. Also, you can make advance preparation like grinding oatmeal beforehand for quick a bath.
- Cold/Hot Compress
The cold compress process is applied to control inflammation and swelling after injury especially sports injury. The same therapy can be applied to reduce the inflammation associated with shingles. Since it soothes inflamed skin, it will work on shingles as well.
The hot compress process is good for treating cold sores and it works well. Similarly, the hot compress can be used to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms associated with shingles.
It is easier to apply a cold/hot compress on the affected area. You only need to apply the compress for 15 minutes and then pat dry the area. Also, the compress should be either washed or disposed of after it is used.
The advantage of cold/hot compress is that it requires no preparation. Also, you can take the treatment once or twice daily or until the blisters are subsided.
- Vitamins
Vitamins D and C are quite effective in treating shingles. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory activities that can alleviate pain and swelling associated with shingles. Vitamin C is also found to be effective against the uncomfortable symptoms associated with shingles. And the good thing is that both the vitamins are available in fruits and vegetables.
If you have shingles, you should consume more food items that contain vitamins D and C. For example, take citrus fruits that are rich in vitamin C. you can add more citrus fruits to your plate. Similarly, you can eat green and leafy vegetables, eggs, and fish to increase your intake of vitamins D and C.
While there should be little need to take vitamin supplements, but you can start taking health supplements to take a sufficient dose of vitamins D and C on the advice of your doctor. It is better to consult a doctor before adding any health supplement to your diet.
- Coconut Oil
Applying coconut oil on the blisters and red marks of shingles can help alleviate the pain and suffering of the infection. Coconut oil is rich in anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can prove to be helpful in controlling the painful symptoms associated with shingles.
For coconut oil treatment, you need 1 tsp of virgin coconut oil and apply it to the affected area with the help of cotton balls. Apply enough oil over the infected skin and leave it for 20 minutes so that the skin soaks the oil. Also, the oil needs some time to start acting on the infection.
Discard the cotton balls after using and rinse the oil from the skin to feel comfortable. You can do it once or twice a day according to your convenience and comfort.
- Garlic
Garlic has dual advantages against shingles. First, is its anti-inflammatory nature and the second is its ability to fight the virus. So, it can be a very useful weapon for curing painful symptoms of shingles. It will combat the inflammation associated with skin infection. Also, it will attack the virus responsible for shingles.
Take 4-5 cloves of peeled garlic and crush them to make a thick paste that can be applied like an ointment. But you should use a cotton pad to apply the garlic paste. Apply the garlic paste carefully all over the infection and leave it for 30 minutes after which you can rinse it off with running water. You can do it once or twice daily.
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil also has dual benefits. First, it is anti-inflammatory in nature and the second is its antiviral properties. Applying tea tree oil to the affected part will relieve pain and suffering associated with inflammation. Also, its application will help fight the infection. Applying tea tree oil can speed up recovery from shingles.
Take 3 drops of tea tree oil in a cup and add 1-2 tsp of coconut oil to the tea tree oil. Mix the ingredients well before applying. Take a cotton ball and soak it well in the mixture. Apply the tea tree oil on the infected skin and leave it for 30 minutes after which you can wash the oil with warm water. Doing it once or twice daily is sufficient to get lasting relief from the painful shingles.
What is the most effective way of preventing shingles?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent shingles. People between the age group of 50-60 should get vaccinated for shingles. Also, the infected person should maintain social distancing from others as shingles are a contagious infection.
Shingles could attack anyone but adults between 50-60 years of age are more prone to this skin infection. But there is little to worry about this infection as it remains mild most of the time. Also, treatment for shingles is available.
