Shingles

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The rash caused by shingles is characterized by itchiness, but pain is an even more frustrating issue. On each side of your body, there are pathways for nerve roots that supply sensation to the skin. When the varicella-zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox, becomes reactivated, red blotchy patches on one side of your body or face, cluster along nerve pathways. It is common for an infected individual to complain of shooting pain in the region where the rash appears. Shingles complication can lead to long-lasting nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. While there are different treatments and drugs for shingles-associated pain, such as Opioid painkillers, steroid injections, and various topical and skin patch options, there are alternative treatments for shingles. Here you will learn about the different alternative treatments that you can apply to …show more content…
Place the plastic bag in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Wrap a wet washcloth around the plastic bag
Place cold compress on the affected area for no more than 20 minutes
Dry area thoroughly when done

Geranium Essential Oil
One of the frequently mentioned complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which causes severe and long-term pain. Geranium essential oil has been studied and demonstrated to reduce pain due to PHN. When applied topically, this essential oil is effective and relieves painful sensations in a matter of minutes. It is often recommended for shingles pain because it has proven to be more effective than capsaicin at improving pain.

Vitamin B 12
This vitamin is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and helps make DNA. It is also known as the vitamin that can boost your energy. Studies show that Vitamin B 12 could play a role in pain management by encouraging your body to thicken its protective coating encircling the nerves, so they don’t “malfunction and cause pain.

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