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Cures for Medical Shingles

Viruses are responsible for many illnesses, from the common flu to HIV. They are living organisms, and as such are categorized by their structure and the type of affliction they cause. One viral organism causes the common childhood infection chickenpox, which can develop into shingles.

  1. Nature of the Disease

    • Shingles, otherwise known as varicella zoster virus (or VZV), belongs to the herpes viral family, although it differs greatly from the one that causes genital herpes. The shingles virus and the chickenpox virus are the same, and once an individual has recovered from chickenpox the virus remains dormant in his body. In times of extreme and prolonged stress, or contraction of AIDS or the development of certain cancers, the virus can activate and manifest as shingles.

    Common Cures

    • Many antiviral drugs are used to treat VZV. Acyclovir (prescribed as Zorivax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are often prescribed as long as treatment begins with three days of manifestation. Pain medications are often used in conjunction with antivirals to ease the pain associated with the disease. Doctors advise patients to regularly clean affected areas to prevent infection. The use of calamine lotions to ease itching is common.

    Alternative Methods

    • Some patients seek alternative methods for dealing with the disease, believing decreasing daily stress is an excellent prevention technique and that a diet rich in vitamins C, E and B12 can help rid the body of VZV. Citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, pineapples, peaches and many berry fruits are all abundant in vitamin C. Avocadoes, tomatoes and sweet fruits like mangoes are excellent sources of vitamin E. Fruits such as apricots contain vitamin B12, as do animal products like milk, eggs and butter. Refined sugars are avoided completely.

    Complications

    • Since VZV is an infection of the central nervous system, several complications can result if the infection isn't treated. Besides the chronic and intense pain, blindness can occur if the virus travels to the optic center of the brain. A typical complication that arises from contraction of VZV is postherapic neuralgia, lingering pain in the affected area after the infection has been successfully treated. It is estimated that 15 percent of shingles patients develop this condition post-treatment.

    Warning

    • VZV is acutely contagious. Once someone contracts shingles, the virus can spread to others who haven't had chickenpox.

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