Mention “shingles” to an acquaintance during a routine, friendly conversation and they will start talking about what kind of a roof they have at home. So you politely interrupt them to say that’s not the kind of shingles you were talking about, that you were talking about the kind for which you get a shot at the doctor’s office or a clinic to prevent them from invading your body and affecting your health.
“Oh, those kinds of shingles. What are they anyway?”
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is a condition characterized by a painful skin rash, and it is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Uniquely, this virus is also the culprit for an entirely different type of medical disease: chickenpox. Shingles typically occurs years later in individuals who experienced chickenpox earlier in life, usually in childhood.
A primary risk factor in the development of shingles is weakened immunity, resulting from aging. The varicella-zoster virus is in the “family” of herpes viruses, but it is different in nature from other types of herpes viruses. Shingles affect the nerves beneath the skin, causing them to become inflamed.
A shingles rash is usually localized to one part of the body. The particular area affected by shingles produces localized pain and develops a rash in a few short days. The pain of shingles is notorious, and can be severe in some cases. A shingles rash forms in blisters in a stripe-like formation, typically on the side of the torso. Fever, headache, and fatigue can accompany this life-interrupting rash.
While there is no true cure for shingles, it can be treated with prescription antiviral medication. The course of a shingles case typically encompasses two to six weeks, and most people experience it only once in their lives.
Natural Products for Shingles
Shingles can be treated to some degree by using natural remedies available over the counter. These can be beneficial when used properly, such as in the context of medical treatment and antiviral medication where necessary.
L-lysine has been studied for its ability to thwart shingles. L-lysine is produced in small amounts in the body, and can be found in some foods. However, supplementing with L-lysine is necessary for mitigating a condition such as shingles. It is helpful because it regulates the body’s inflammatory response system. Furthermore, L-lysine can reduce the stress and anxiety that cause shingles. These traits make L-lysine a very worthwhile choice for an aging man or woman at risk for shingles.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Vitamin C in the form of an oral supplement as ascorbic acid has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the course of shingles. In one study, daily supplementation of 1500mg of this form of vitamin C correlated with reductions in severity and length of shingles symptoms when compared to test subjects taking a placebo. This research, as well as the established and widely-known immune benefits of vitamin C, suggest that vitamin C ascorbic acid is an effective vitamin supplement for reducing a nasty case of shingles.
Vitamin D is another vitamin recommended for shingles. Vitamin D is helpful because of its important role in reducing inflammatory responses in the body. This vitamin’s ability to control inflammation can help to diminish the neuronal inflammation that occurs with shingles.
Witch hazel is a topical product that can be applied to the area of skin affected by shingles rash. Witch hazel is useful because it reduces inflammation after it is applied to the skin. Some research suggests that witch hazel is more effective than other natural remedies for helping skin conditions, such as shingles.
If you are at risk for shingles, or have a family member who has this affliction, then quickly look into how these four particular supplements or nutrients can help you. It is recommended that you always consult your personal physician or other licensed healthcare provider before using a supplement or topical product for the first time.