There are several shingles home remedies that are beneficial to patients as they provide relief from the symptoms of shingles. However, the severity of the condition should be evaluated before deciding on any of the various home remedies for shingles.
Shingles, also known as Herpes, Herpes Zoster, or Herpes Simplex, generally affects the elderly or people with compromised immune systems. Immune suppressing treatments such as chemotherapy, AIDS, poor health or stress can all lead to shingles. This condition is a painful disease caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster virus that also causes chicken pox. Patients who have already had chicken pox are more likely to get shingles later in life, as the virus is never eliminated from the body, but stays dormant in the nervous system and becomes reactivated due to ill health or other factors that weaken the immune system.
Patients with AIDS or those being treated for cancer can have problems if they contract shingles, as their immune systems are already compromised. However, it isn’t a dangerous disease, and it’s unlikely to recur in patients who have contracted it once.
Symptoms of Shingles
Localized skin rashes are observed on the face, chest and abdomen. Shingle skin rashes are also observed on one side of the body. These rashes are localized with blisters on top. Some blisters may also contain pus. The rashes are accompanied by severe pain along with fever, headache, chills, burning sensations and upset stomach. Swelling of the lymph nodes and itching is also common. If not treated properly, shingles can cause loss of eyesight or facial paralysis. Hence, it’s best to seek a doctor’s opinion before administering home remedies for this condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar as a Home Remedy for Shingles
Apple cider vinegar, also known as ACV, is acetic acid made from cider or apple. ACV provides instant pain relief to patients with shingles. Half a cup of apple cider vinegar should be added to 2 cups of water and the mixture should be poured into a spray bottle. The mixture should then be sprayed on to the affected parts as often as required. Alternatively, you can dab the mixture onto the affected parts with cotton balls or a washcloth and allow the area to dry.
It’s best to ensure that you use upward movements towards the heart when applying the mixture. The process should be repeated as often as required to provide relief from pain. An additional benefit of using apple cider vinegar is that it aids in quicker healing of the blisters.
Precautions and Side Effects
There is no need to follow any precautions when treating shingles with apple cider vinegar, as this home remedy is safe with no side effects and is well tolerated by patients with shingles. Relief from the symptoms of shingles can be observed within a month after the apple cider vinegar is applied.
The application of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for shingles should only be considered for patients who don’t have any complications and should be accompanied with dietary controls; dietary controls aid in quicker healing by boosting the immune system and detoxifying the body.
