What are Shingles?
Shingles is a medical condition that occurs when you develop a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This rash can occur in any part of the body. However, it very frequently emerges as one line of sores that covers over either the left or the right side of your torso. It is not a life-threatening illness but it can be very painful.
What are the Symptoms of Shingles?
- There are some typical symptoms of Shingles. The most common symptoms you may experience if you have shingles are aching, burning, numbness and tingling.
- Sensitivity to touch is also a very common symptom of Shingles.
- You develop a pus-filled sore that breaks open and crust over. Also, it starts with a red rash that starts after a few days of pain.
- In some cases, you may also experience fever, headaches, and fatigue.
What are the Causes of Shingles?
The main cause of Shingles is the varicella-zoster virus. This virus enters your nervous system after recovery from chickenpox and remains for years. Ultimately, this same virus can get reactivated and move along nerve trails to your skin and you end up getting shingles. However, not everybody who’s gotten chickenpox will have shingles. Shingles usually attack people who have low immunity like older people or people who have underlying disorders like diabetes.
When to see a Doctor?
- This condition is not a serious health condition, but it is very annoying because of its pain. So it needs to be treated.
- Most importantly, if you develop any rashes near your eyes and if you leave it untreated, it may cause permanent eye damage. So see your doctor in that case.
- People above 60 years of age should not avoid it either. A higher age may increase your probability of other health difficulties.
- People with low immunity systems should consult with the doctor as soon as they develop Shingles.
Lifestyle Prevention of Shingles
- Some lifestyle prevention can help you avoid this condition.
- Vaccination is one of them. Proper vaccination can surely help you avoid getting Shingles as well as Chickenpox. Generally, Children are given chickenpox vaccination and adults are given Shingles vaccination.
- Improving immunity is very important to fight many diseases and this one is no exception. Taking multivitamins helps you prevent Shingles.
- Smoking lowers immunity. So, quitting smoking is important to avoid Shingles.
- Following a healthy diet which is full of green vegetables and fruits is really important. Try to add as much green and red food to your diet. Oranges are also very helpful.
Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Shingles
There are some great Ayurvedic remedies to treat shingles. Some herbs and spices such as Giloy,Neem, Manjishtha, etc. are known for their great anti-viral properties.
- Giloy: Giloy is an effective herb that assists you in Shingle treatment. Take 2-3 teaspoons of juice, once or twice a day.
- Neem: Neem is used for treating many skin conditions including Shingles.10-20 ml of neem juice daily can prevent you from many skin related diseases.
- Manjishtha: This herb is known to treat neuralgia and is very effective on Shingles. Mix ½ – 1 teaspoon of manjistha powder in a glass of water and drink daily. or as per your requirement
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