to minimize the risk of shingles.
Pain relief and antiviral medications, such as valacyclovir and acyclovir, are treatment options for shingles.
RELATED: Easy Home Remedies for Shingles
Home remedies for shingles
The following natural remedies, which may or may not work for everyone, can help with the discomfort and pain of shingles:
- Baking soda
- Cold or cool compress
- Cornstarch paste
- Dietary remedies
- Healing baths – such as an oatmeal bath for itching
- Herbal or homeopathic remedies
- Soothing creams and lotions – such as calamine lotion
- Witch hazel
When to talk to a doctor
Because there isn’t a cure for shingles, if you have them, your doctor can prescribe medication to help reduce symptoms or shorten the duration.
You May Also Like
Foods to avoid during a shingles attack
You will want to avoid foods that can impair your body’s immune system to shorten a shingles outbreak. One food intake example includes alcohol.
The following foods contain high glycemic carbohydrates, which can increase inflammation and compromise the immune system:
- Baked goods
- Ice cream
- Sugary cereals
- Sugary drinks
- Sugary sauces
- Sweets and candies
- White bread
- White rice
The following examples of food are highly processed foods that should also be avoided:
- Breads and crackers (high-fat and low-fiber)
- Cakes, cookies, pastries, and pies
- Deep-fried foods
- High-fat snack foods
- Sugary energy drinks and sodas
- Sweetened cereals
To help your immune system, keep in mind that there are foods that you may want to incorporate during a shingles outbreak.
You May Also Like
They include foods that are high in vitamins A, B12, C, and E, as well as lysine and zinc.
Foods that fall under complex carbohydrates, which can help lower inflammation, include:
- Barley
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Sweet potato
- Whole grain bread, couscous, oats, and pasta
Essential oils for shingles
Capsaicin, geranium, and peppermint oils are doctor-recommended essential oils that work well with doctor-prescribed medications to treat shingles.
A few drops of oils such as geranium, lemon, or thyme mixed into a tablespoon of coconut oil can be applied to your blisters.
Final Words
You may not be thrilled to learn that shingles do not have a cure, but keep these home and natural remedies in mind as more research continues to be conducted in connection to shingles.
