Shingles is a viral infection which causes a specific type of rash to occur upon the skin. Here is a look at the characteristics of shingles, and three supplements which can help to manage and/or recover from this condition.
A Short Look at Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection which, unlike many other common viruses, affects the skin. It is caused by the same virus which causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. Because this virus typically remains in the body for years, even after a case of chickenpox has been entirely remedied, shingles can occur in individuals years after they have recovered from chickenpox. Preventative interventions for shingles exist, but they do not guarantee you won’t get shingles, and some have an allergic reaction. Research shows that many people have hesitancy to use these measures.
A shingles rash is painful, and visibly noticeable. When it occurs, it can occur anywhere on the body. But, it most often manifests as a stripe of blisters on either the left or right side of the torso. It can cause itching, pain, and sensitivity.
Fortunately, shingles is not life-threatening. Between only 1 and 4% of individuals who contract shingles will need to go to the hospital, and many of these cases are because individuals are already immunocompromised. Self-care is highly recommended for reducing the irritation of a shingles rash, while it lasts. A cold compress upon the skin can bring relief. Measures to reduce stress can also ease the course of a bout of shingles. A case of shingles usually lasts between two and six weeks, and most people only get it once. But, some people do experience a recurrence of shingles.
Supplements for Shingles
The first two supplements mentioned here have scientific evidence supporting their potential to help manage a shingles infection. The third and final supplement can help the body to recover from the neurological damage which shingles can do to the body.
Proteolytic enzymes are produced internally by the body, and available in some foods. They provide multiple benefits, and are therefore also made available as an oral supplement. They can be beneficial for those with shingles because of their anti-inflammatory and immune system-regulating properties. The most beneficial proteolytic enzymes include papain, bromelain, and trypsin. Studies have compared the effectiveness of daily supplementation with proteolytic enzymes compared to standard antiviral drugs, for treating a shingles rash. They can be similarly as effective as an antiviral drug, but with less side effects. Those who wish to treat and manage shingles naturally should definitely consider a proteolytic enzyme supplement.
L-lysine is an amino acid which, when taken in supplement form, could help with multiple types of viral infections. Research shows that it could help prevent and also manage a shingles infection. It does so by regulating the body’s immune response. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, which could be a causal factor in the development of shingles. Lastly, l-lysine has neuroprotectant properties which could help a person’s body to better manage shingles pain, and to heal from it as well.
Vitamin B complex: B vitamins could help support neurological health and healing after a shingles infection. Lingering nerve damage, called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), can occur in those who’ve had shingles. B vitamins can support nerve function and repair, nerve cell regeneration, and thereby reduce pain from post-shingles neuropathy. Upping your intake of B vitamins after a bout of shingles with a B complex supplement could make a difference for the body’s neurological health and wellbeing.
If you or someone in your family is at risk of shingles, or is experiencing it, then you should not count out these three supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.