Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant (inactive) in the body.
Shingles causes
When the virus reactivates, it travels
along a nerve to the skin, where it causes a painful rash and blisters. The
rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and can occur anywhere on
the skin, although it is most common on the torso or face.
Risk factors for shingles include,
Age: As a person ages, their risk of
developing shingles rises.
Having a weakened immune system due to
conditions such as cancer, or medications such as corticosteroids or
chemotherapy
Having experienced chickenpox before
turning one
It is important to note that anyone
who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but it is more common in older adults
and people with weakened immune systems.
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Natural treatment for shingles
There are several natural treatments
that may help alleviate the symptoms of shingles, including,
Applying a cool compress to the
affected area to reduce pain and itching
Using painkillers that are available over the counter, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Using essential oils, such as tea tree
oil or peppermint oil, diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically to the
affected area
Taking a lukewarm bath with Epsom salt to soothe
the skin
Using a cream or ointment made from
capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, which may help reduce pain
Consuming a diet rich in fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains boosts the immune system
Additionally, while these natural
remedies may provide relief, antiviral medication is the most effective
treatment for shingles.
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Are shingles contagious?
Shingles are contagious to people who
have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against chickenpox. If an
individual who has never had chickenpox comes into contact with the fluid from
the blisters of someone who has shingles, they can develop chickenpox.
However, it is important to understand
that shingles themselves are not contagious and cannot be spread from person to
person. The virus that causes shingles, varicella-zoster, can only be spread
through direct contact with the blisters of someone who has shingles. (2)
It is also worth mentioning that a
person with shingles is contagious only during the blister phase, once the rash
has crusted over, the person is no longer contagious.
If you have shingles, it is important
to keep the rash covered to prevent the spread of the virus to others. It is
also a good idea to avoid close contact with people who have weakened immune
systems, pregnant women, and newborns until the rash has crusted over.
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