Recovering from Shingles

Shingles is an unpleasant and painful condition due to reactivation of the chickenpox virus, herpes zoster, which lies dormant in the nervous system after infection during childhood. After an attack of shingles, at least one in ten sufferers continue experiencing unpleasant burning, gnawing or shooting pains in the affected area for several months or even years. This is known as post-herpetic neuralgia and unfortunately, it does not respond well to painkillers.

Studies suggest that high dose vitamin E supplements may help to reduce the pain of shingles - perhaps by stabilizing the nerve cell membrane. Aromatherapists suggest applying neat tea tree oil to shingles lesions. The oil has an antiviral action which, although it stings at first, may help to stop pain and itching.

Herbs used to help treat shingles include: echinacea, garlic, ginger and lemon balm which may be used internally or externally. St John's wort can help the depression that accompanies post-herpetic neuralgia.

Comments

by Clothears from Ontario on 14/Nov/2011

Valtrex? That only works if administered within 3 days of the initial infection. After that, it's totally ineffective, so just hang on in there.

And the pain does not stop, but try to remember that the pain is actually false. That is, there is nothing in your muscles causing the pain, so even though your brain is telling you that you mustn't move because you'll damage yourself, that's just untrue. The nerve is fooling the brain, and you are simply being conned.

I've found with my infection (which was the worst the doc had seen in all his 25 years experience) that simply ignoring the pain and acting normally has a therapeutic effect on the soul, which is helluva more important than trying to kill the pain with meds which won't work in any case.

Sure, it hurts. But it's a con. Tell it that you are not impressed, and work through it.

by james rodgers from aberdeen on 22/Jun/2011

i am 67yrold male and have been suffering from the after effects of shingles now after 3 months still getting sharp shooting pains and constant lack of energy, has anyone any remedies, doctor just gives me more pills and says it will take time,
help please

by dee thibodeaux from louisiana on 15/Apr/2011

diagnosised with shingles dec 2010, have tried EVERYTHING. My house looks like a pharmacy and nothing works. Still suffering with the fever and pain.

by Anthony Semler from marietta, georgia on 08/Sep/2008

no matter what you put on it , the pain does not stop...The best thing for Shingles is Valtrex and lots of sleep, Anthony 29

Recovering from Shingles

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