Are you looking for vitamins for shingles? If so, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve done my research on this topic and I thought I’d write a post about it.
Have you ever had a case of shingles? I’m sure you have. That doesn’t mean you should ignore the common and intense discomfort of shingles. It’s important to know about vitamins for shingles and how they can prevent or reduce the severity of your symptoms. There are many different antiviral treatments available, from creams that are applied directly to your skin, to pills taken by mouth. Most importantly, there are essential vitamins for shingles which can help decrease the length of time it takes for your rash to clear up.
vitamins for shingles
Vitamins can be very effective in the prevention and treatment of shingles. You may have heard that vitamin C is good for treating shingles and can be used to help your immune system fight off the virus. But did you know that cranberry juice can have similar benefits?
Vitamin supplements are commonly used for preventing and treating conditions such as shingles. An excess of vitamin A, B vitamins and zinc has been linked with the development of shingles. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you are properly taking in a good diet if you want to prevent it in the first place.
vitamins for shingles treatment
As you may already know, vitamin D and vitamin K2 are two vitamins that play an important role in helping your body fight off shingles (herpes zoster). But don’t just take my word for it. Vitamin K2 naturally occurs in foods such as kale, spinach, and dark green vegetables. On the other hand, you can get vitamin D through sunlight or just some daily exposure to sunlight.
Why not reduce the risk of onset, and maximize your chances of enjoying a pain free recovery with this infographic? (Hint: It includes natural remedies such as vitamins, herbs and supplements)
vitamins for shingles prevention
Natural remedies for shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The varicella zoster (VZV) virus causes this viral infection. It’s the same virus that causes chickenpox.
If you had chickenpox as a child, the shingles virus lies dormant in your body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause a shingles rash. The rash can occur on any part of your body but typically only affects small sections.
Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. The rash and fluid-filled blisters form within a couple of days after the onset of pain. Some people with shingles also have a fever, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, about 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime.
The shingles virus can last between two and six weeks. Shingles isn’t life-threatening, but some people experience postherpetic neuralgia. This is when nerve fibers become damaged, causing shingles pain that lasts for weeks or months after the rash clears.
There’s no cure for shingles, but your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the virus and reduce symptoms.
Although an antiviral is an effective treatment for shingles, it’s not the only option. Several natural remedies may also reduce pain and discomfort.
- Healing baths
Daily cleansing of the blisters reduces the risk of spreading the infection. Take a cool bath or shower to soothe skin. The coolness of the water can ease pain from shingles blisters and calm itchiness.
You can also take a healing bath to reduce symptoms. Pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch into lukewarm bathwater and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use hot water. Hot water can worsen shingles blisters because heat increases blood flow.
Dry your body completely and then wash your towel to avoid spreading the virus to others.
- Wet, cool compress
In addition to taking a bath to relieve pain and itchiness associated with a shingles rash, apply a cool, moist compress. Do this several times throughout the day to relieve symptoms. Soak a cloth in cool water, wring out the water, and apply the cloth to the rash and blisters.
The coolness of the compress can reduce pain. Repeat the process as often as you need. Do not apply an ice pack to the rash. The coldness may increase skin sensitivity and worsen pain.
- Baking soda and cornstarch paste
Create a paste using cornstarch or baking soda and water to naturally relieve itching caused by a shingles rash.
Pour two parts cornstarch or baking soda into a cup. Add one part water to get the desired consistency for the paste. Apply the mixture to your rash. Rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat several times a day as needed.
- Soothing lotions and creams
Scratching a shingles rash can cause scarring and prolong blisters. If itching doesn’t improve after a healing bath, a cool compress, or a baking soda or cornstarch mixture, use soothing lotions and creams.
Lotions and creams don’t speed up the healing process, but they can increase your comfort level. Avoid scented or perfumed lotions. They can cause further irritation. Find a great selection of unscented lotions here.
Use lotions and creams sparingly. Heavy application can keep sores from drying out and lengthen the healing process. For the same reasons, don’t use antibiotic ointments on the sores.
If you decide to use creams or lotions, it would be more effective if you applied one containing the natural ingredient capsaicin, up to three or four times per day. This is the active ingredient in chili peppers.
Capsaicin has an anti-inflammatory effect to help ease pain. Pain may increase after initially applying the cream, but it’ll slowly go away. This cream works by reducing pain signals sent to your brain.
Additionally, you can apply calamine lotion after baths and showers to soothe irritated skin and help dry out blisters.
- Dietary remedies
A weakened immune system worsens shingles. Some dietary changes can strengthen your immune system and prevent shingles from spreading to other parts of your body. Take steps to boost the function of your immune system by eating certain foods and avoiding others.
A shingles diet consists of foods with vitamins A, B-12, C, and E, and the amino acid lysine. Foods that promote healing include:
orange and yellow fruits
leafy green vegetables
red
meat
eggs
chicken
wild-caught fish
dairy
whole
grains
legumes
beans
tomatoes
spinach
As you heal and cope with the effects of shingles, you might crave comfort foods. However, you should avoid certain foods if you have shingles. Foods to avoid include:
food and juices with high amounts of sugar
arginine-rich foods (including chocolate,
gelatin, and nuts)
refined
carbohydrates
foods high in saturated
fat
Eating too much of these foods can weaken the immune system and potentially prolong the virus. Foods with high levels of arginine can even cause the virus to reproduce.
- Homeopathic or herbal remedies
You might consider homeopathic remedies along with conventional therapy to help with your shingles symptoms. Homeopathy is an alternative medicine that embraces the approach of allowing the body to heal itself.
Currently, there’s little scientific evidence that supports the use of homeopathic medicine as a treatment for any condition. Additionally, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the safety or efficacy of any homeopathic remedies.
If you’re considering using any homeopathic remedies, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
Some supplements and herbal medicines may also help your body fight the virus, and treat insomnia and anxiety due to shingles. These include:
melatonin
St.
John’s Wort
oregano oil
Echinacea
lemon balm
green
tea
essential
fatty acids
Consult your doctor before taking any supplements. Be sure you have the correct diagnosis. If your condition worsens, seek immediate medical care.
The takeaway
Understand that natural remedies don’t work for everyone. Even if you find an effective natural remedy, there’s no cure for shingles. The virus has to run its course.
However, nonconventional remedies may decrease your discomfort and irritation — and speed the healing process — when used in conjunction with conventional therapy.
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When adults have extremely itchy or painful lesions across their torso or face, the diagnosis may be shingles. It is essential that people with this condition visit a doctor for treatment, but some home remedies can help to relieve symptoms.
In the United States, there are up to one million estimated casesTrusted Source of shingles every year. Shingles refers to the reactivation of the dormant herpes varicella zoster virus after childhood. Aging, trauma, stress, or another illness can all activate the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend seeking medical advice as soon as any symptoms appear.
In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed a vaccine called ShingrixTrusted Source that protects against the condition. The CDC recommend that adults over 50 years of age receive the vaccine to reduce their risk of shingles.
The 10 natural treatments and home remedies below may provide relief from symptoms, although people should note that these are not medical treatments.
Natural remedies
Some of these remedies may relieve pain and itchiness and improve healing:
- Essential oils
Essential oils can help with skin irritation and healing.
People have used essential oils as herbal remedies for many years, often for skin conditions.
Some essential oils have properties that may help with skin irritation and healing These oils include:
Chamomile oil, which has anti-inflammatoryTrusted Source and antimicrobialTrusted Source properties and can improve ulcers and pressure sores by aiding skin-cell regenerationTrusted Source.
Eucalyptus oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can increase the speed at which cancer patients’ sores heal.
Tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and can promote wound healing.
In some cases, pure essential oils can cause allergic reactionsTrusted Source. Therefore, people should always do a patch test before trying them.
It is best to dilute oils with a carrier oil or to visit a pharmacy to purchase them pre-mixed as a safe topical ointment.
The FDA have not approved many essential oils for use, so it is important to talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using any of them.
- Cold compresses
Holding cool cloths or compresses against the rash site may assist in relieving itchiness and reducing inflammation.
People can lightly soak a natural cotton cloth or towel with cool water and wring it out before placing it on sore, itchy areas. They can then repeat this as necessary.
It is also best not to expose the skin to extreme temperatures, so people should avoid using ice baths or very hot water. Hot water will increase blood flow and potentially slow down the healing of sores, whereas ice will increase skin sensitivity.
- Witch hazel
Researchers believe that witch hazel is more effective than chamomile for reducing inflammation and itchiness in some individuals.
It is possible to purchase witch hazel in a variety of forms, the most common of which are creams or witch hazel water. Many witch hazel creams are available online.
People can apply witch hazel topically to areas of irritation and inflammation to achieve relief.
- Cool baths
Taking cool baths or showers every day, with minimal scrubbing, will help to keep sores and blisters clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Cool water should also relieve sore and itchy spots, helping to prevent scratching, which could cause scarring.
- Oat baths
People can add colloidal oatmeal to a cool bath to relieve pain and itchiness.
Some studies suggest that oat extract may moisten dry skin and sootheTrusted Source sensitive and inflamed skin.
The FDA have approved colloidal oatmeal as a safe and effective treatment. Colloidal oat products usually exclude oat protein to prevent allergic reactions.
The active ingredients that help reduce inflammation include flavonoids and saponins. People can use oat products in a cool bath to help relieve pain and itchiness.
- Gentiana scabra
Researchers have found that Gentiana scabra, a blue or purple flower occurring throughout North America, has a positive effect on pain relief in shingles and decreases the likelihood of postherpetic neuralgia.
By reducing inflammation in the skin, Gentiana scabra minimizes pain and promotes healing. A reputable Chinese medicine practitioner can prepare the herbal formula by boiling the plant in water. People can then take the remedy orally.
- Diet
A healthful diet is vital for preventing and fighting illness.
The Dietary Guidelines for AmericansTrusted Source recommend eating a varied diet comprising many vegetables, fruits, and whole-grains as well as legumes, nuts, and lean meats.
People should aim to include orange, red, and green foods that contain the carotenoidsTrusted Source lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and provitamin A in their diet. Carotenoids are very important for immune function, and occur in the following foods:
orange foods: carrot, pumpkin, and apricot
red foods: watermelon, red pepper, grapefruit, and cherry
green foods: kale, parsley, spinach, melon, lettuce, and endive
Limiting trans and saturated fats, and avoiding added sugar and salt where possible can also reduce inflammation and improve immune function.
- Vitamin supplements
Vitamins may help people who are immune-compromised.
Healthy individuals should not need to take supplements. However, individuals who are immune-compromised and over the age of 50 should consider supplementation to maintain good health and strong immunity.
There is a link between vitamin D and immune functionTrusted Source. Many older people are at risk of low vitamin D levels, so they must ensure that they get sufficient sun exposure or take supplements to protect their immunity.
Taking vitamin C, zinc, and selenium supplements can also improve immunity in older adults.
However, taking high doses of vitamins and minerals can do more harm than good. Multivitamins, which contain lower and safer levels of many vitamins and minerals, are usually a better option.
- Quit smoking
Smoking offers no health benefits and is always harmful. It is vital to quit smoking as it increases the risk of many cancers and diseases.
Smoking lowers immunity againstTrusted Source infection, especially in older people, and can delay recovery and healing.
- Reduce stress
Using meditation to relax and trying to rest when possible may help to reduce the symptoms of stress.
Takeaway
Unfortunately, it is not possible to cure shingles. However, as with other viruses, resting and eating a healthful diet will help with recovery.
Using treatments to alleviate symptoms will increase comfort and mental well-being, and may also reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
There is now a vaccine available to prevent shingles. Anyone who is aged over 50 or is at risk of developing shingles should consider seeing their doctor about getting the vaccine or a booster dose.
Last medically reviewed on June 14, 2018
ShinglesInfectious Diseases / Bacteria / VirusesComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
15 sourcescollapsed
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Cathleen Crichton-Stuart on June 14, 2018
Is it shingles? Pictures and symptoms
Symptoms
Vs. other skin conditions
Causes
Risk factors
Treatment
Shingles is an infection that causes a painful, burning rash on the body. It can occur as a complication after a person has had chicken pox, but it may not appear until years later.
about 1 million peopleTrusted Sourceshingles
In most cases, shingles is not a life-threatening condition. It can cause severe pain, however, which can sometimes last for months.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of shingles is a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body.
Shingles can affect people of any age.
A few days before the rash develops, other symptoms may be present, including weakness, chills, muscle aches, and nausea. Some people also develop pain, itching, tingling, and burning on the skin before the rash appears.
The rash from shingles tends to develop in a certain pattern, most commonly on the trunk. It is sometimes referred to as a “shingles band” due to the striped pattern. The rash may start as red patches but changes over time and develops into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters may ooze.
After about 7 to 10 days, the blisters may crust or scab. Although it can vary, the rash often clears up in 2 to 4 weeks.
Typically, shingles appears on the trunk. The rash also can develop on other areas of the body, including the face. When the rash appears on the face, it often develops around the eyes or over the nose.
Shingles misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions about shingles is that it only affects older adults. Although people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop shingles, the disease can also affect younger people. Even children can develop shingles.
Some people may also be under the impression that the condition is rare. That’s not the case. In fact, shingles is common. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, about 50 percent of people who live to age 85 will develop shingles at some point in their life.
Complications
One of the most common complications of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia. The condition involves continued pain long after the rash from shingles clears up.
According to the CDC, postherpetic neuralgia affects about one-thirdTrusted Source of people over the age of 60 who develop shingles.
If it appears near or over the eyes, shingles can also lead to a severe infection of the retina, which can lead to vision loss. Bacterial skin infections are another possible complication.
In rare cases, shingles can lead to encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain.
Shingles vs. other conditions
Shingles can sometimes be mistaken for another skin conditions, such as hives, psoriasis, or eczema.
A doctor should always be consulted if shingles is suspected.
The characteristics of a rash may help doctors identify the cause. For example, hives are often raised and look like welts. Psoriasis often involves red patches that have white scales throughout the rash.
At first, the shingles rash appears as small raised dots. One difference between shingles and other rashes is the pattern that develops. The shingles rash often develops in a pattern along the nerves of the chest and belly.
A rash due to allergies or eczema may develop anywhere, including the legs and the arms. The shingles rash also tends to clear up in a few weeks. Rashes due to eczema and psoriasis may last longer. A shingles rash is also usually a lot more painful than other rashes.
The best way to work out if a rash is shingles is to see a doctor. In most cases, a doctor can make a diagnosis based on medical history, a physical exam, and symptoms.
Anyone who suspects they have shingles should consider seeing their healthcare provider. In some cases, medication is prescribed to speed recovery. Medications are most effective when taken within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
Causes
A virus called varicella zoster causes shingles. Varicella zoster virus also causes chickenpox, which used to be a common childhood illness before a vaccine was developed.
Once a person is infected with chickenpox, the virus remains in their nervous system, even after they recover. Although the virus stays in the body, it’s considered latent, which means it’s inactive and does not cause any symptoms.
At some point, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. The reason the virus reactivates is not entirely clear. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may become active again if a person’s immune system becomes weakened or stressed.
Risk factors
Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles. Factors that increase a person’s chances of developing the condition include being over age 50 and having a disease that weakens the immune system.
People taking medications that decrease their immune system function, such as chemotherapy or steroids, are also at an increased risk for shingles.
According to the CDCTrusted Source, shingles is not transmitted from person to person. The varicella zoster virus can be transmitted, but a person exposed to it develops chickenpox instead of shingles if they have not had chickenpox in the past.
Treatment
Shingles blisters should be kept covered until they scab over.
Currently, there is no cure for shingles. Treatment is available to decrease the severity of the infection and reduce symptoms.
For example, antiviral medications may be recommended. Antiviral medication for shingles does not kill the virus. Instead, it stops it from multiplying, which may shorten the length of the illness.
Medications to treat pain may also be prescribed. Various medications are available, including creams, which are applied to the skin, and oral medications.
Home treatment may include applying cool compresses to the skin to ease the pain.
Prevention
It’s also important to prevent the virus from spreading. Although shingles itself cannot be transmitted, the virus can be passed on, possibly causing chickenpox.
Someone with shingles is not contagious once the blisters have scabbed over and are no longer weeping. Before they have scabbed over, it is important to keep them covered around other people.
One way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated. The chickenpox vaccine is often given as a routine childhood vaccine. Adults who have not had chickenpox can also get the vaccine.
For those who have already had chickenpox, there is also a shingles vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration approved the shingles vaccine for adults over the age of 50. The CDC recommend adults over the age of 60Trusted Source who have a history of chickenpox get the vaccine. There is no maximum age for getting the vaccine.
It’s important to understand that both vaccines do not guarantee an individual will not be infected with the virus. They do substantially decrease a person’s chances of developing the diseases, however.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the shingles vaccine provides protection from the virus for about 5 years. After that, the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases. Currently, the vaccine is only given once.
Shingles can affect someone more than once. People who have already had shingles can also get vaccinated to prevent getting the infection again.
The shingles vaccine is safe for most people. As always, someone considering the vaccine should discuss it with their doctor. Side effects from the vaccine are usually mild and include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.