Shingles, Information, Best Natural Treatment

Commonly known as the herpes zoster, shingles is a late manifestation of the chicken pox virus known as varicella zoster virus. Although herpes zoster affects millions of adults by the time they reach 80, it is not uncommon for younger people to develop the virus.

When the virus activates it travels along nerve fibers, usually breaking out on one side of the body into clusters of small blisters called vesicles.

Within a few days the blisters rupture forming scabs. Shingles symptoms are a rash associated with severe pain, itching, redness, numbness.

Shingles can affect the eyes (zozter ophthalmicus). This is due to the fact that the eyes are connected to nerves that may be infected with the virus. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to minimize the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications that may compromise vision.

Consider also tamanu oil, as it is curative in every phase of the illness!

Zoster ophthalmicus

Chicken pox is an extremely common disease that affects most people when they are young. But the virus that causes the disease stays back within the body for years, even after the symptoms are gone, only to return much later as the herpes zoster disease. Shingles is also known as herpes zoster and the virus that causes both herpes zozter and chicken pox is the varicella zoster virus. Herpes zoster only affects those who have already suffered from chicken pox. Experts are of the view that the virus is able to reactivate after years only due to the fact that the natural immunity of the body has decreased with the advanced age. There are also a few triggers that ‘trigger-off’ the virus once more:

The symptoms of shingles include fever, headache, an itching and tingling sensation, pain and of course the fluid filled blisters that come up in the affected portion of the skin.

So realize that if you have ever suffered from chickenpox (and most people have) you are at risk of developing Herpes Zoster.

After you have had chickenpox (usually as a child) the virus that causes the chickenpox stays in your body in certain nerve cells (dorsal sensory spinal ganglia). Most of the time your immune system confines the chickenpox virus to these cells. You may have outbreaks of herpes zoster, especially at times when your immune system is run down such as after a serious illness or an operation. These attacks may affect different parts of the body on different occasions.

Consider also tamanu oil, as it is curative in every phase of the illness!

Approximately half a million cases of herpes zoster occur in the United States alone each year and some twenty five per cent of people will develop herpes zoster in their lifetime and usually when they are elderly. Occasionally, it can occur in younger men and women and especially those suffering from some form of immune deficiency. So you cannot catch shingles from another person even if they have chickenpox and you can only develop it if you have already had chickenpox. You may get chickenpox by exposure to a persont with shingles hough, if you haven't had chickenpox before. It is not known what exactly causes the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. However, ensuring that your immune system remains strong and healthy can help to prevent these distressing outbreaks.

No, but....it may give rise chickenpox in individuals who have not had this disease earlier in life.

If you are suffering from herpes zoster, you should stay away from other people until the blisters have dried (usually about seven days). The reason for this is that there are virus particles in the blister fluid and those people who have not had chickenpox might catch chickenpox from you.

Particularly at risk for developing herpes zoster are the elderly as well as people whose immune system is not functioning normally as for example those on steroids, those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, those who have had transplant operations or those living with AIDS. In all these instances, the virus may break free from the nerve cells and cause herpes zoster.

It is therefore important to start treatment as soon as the first signs of herpes zoster appear.

Consider also tamanu oil, as it is curative in every phase of the illness!

Approximately 20% of people who develop herpes zoster suffer continuing pain in the same spot long after the blisters have cleared. This condition is known as Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN).

Herpes zoster can also lead to other complications, including inflammation of the brain known as Encephalitis as well as other neurological problems. If the nerves originating in the brain (cranial nerves) are affected, then sometimes complications can include inflammation or blockage of blood vessels.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (see picture above) is a herpes zoster rash on the forehead, cheek, nose and around one eye that could threaten your sight. This type of herpes zoster needs immediate medical treatment and attention(zoster ophthalmicus).

Hutchinson’s Sign is when a shingles blister or blisters appear on the tip of the nose. This means that the virus has invaded the nerve in the eye and will cause painful swelling of the eye. This inflammation can cause temporary blindness and vision loss. You should see an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) immediately.

Paralysis in the face is also a possibility. The Ramsay Hunt Syndrome occurs when the shingles spreads to the facial nerve causing intense ear pain. When the shingles virus affects the facial nerve then hearing loss, dizziness and facial paralysis may occur, which is usually temporary but not always. If you experience shingles blisters on your ear, mouth, neck, face or scalp, see your doctor right away.

If shingles blisters are not treated properly, secondary bacterial skin infections can sometimes set in. Scratching the rash may damage the skin and bacteria are introduced from the fingernails. A shingles rash that does not heal may be an indication that a bacterial infection is present. See your doctor immediately if the rash has worsened or is not healing.

The immune system is a very important factor and shingles can be dangerous in someone with a weakened immune system when a blistery rash known as Disseminated Zoster spreads over a large portion of the body and can reach vital organs like the lungs, central nervous system, liver, pancreas, intestinal tract and brain as well affecting the joints. Widespread infection like this can cause temporary weakness and possibly even cause viral pneumonia or a secondary bacterial infection which can be life-threatening. It is therefore vital to strengthen your immune system.

Consider also tamanu oil, as it is curative in every phase of the illness!

The medical doctor has antiviral remedies that are affective, but you need to start the medication within the first 5 days,- if not they are of no use (Zovirax). The medicine may be used topically as a cream, and/or systemically (tablets or even intravenous infusions). Painkillers may be necessary.

It is wise to start treatment as soon as you suspect the presence of shingles and a natural healing formula with anti viral properties can be used. If necessary, an over-the-counter pain reliever can be taken as well. In addition, keep the affected area clean and apply cool, compresses with tamanu oil AND essential oils (link below) to soothe the pain, reduce scarring and speed up the healing process. Soaking in a bath of lukewarm water or using calamine lotion can relieve any itching and discomfort. Make sure you have plenty of rest.

Consider also tamanu oil, as it is curative in every phase of the illness!