Shingles is a disease that can occur years after having chickenpox.
When you have chickenpox as a child, the virus lays dormant in your body. It can reactivate later, causing a painful rash.
The virus that causes this infection is varicella zoster (VZV), which is part of the herpes virus family. Another name for shingles is herpes zoster.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the Shingrix vaccine for anyone over the age of 50 to reduce the risk of developing shingles.
Antiviral medications can help limit the effect of shingles, but home remedies can also help relieve symptoms.
Below are five natural treatments that may help provide some relief. However, it’s important to note that these are not medical treatments.
Herbal remedies
Some herbal remedies may help manage shingles.
They include:
- capsaicin, which comes from cayenne pepper and may help reduce the pain of shingles
- licorice root, which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and may be useful in treating herpes zoster
- lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, which contains polyphenols and may help fight herpes viruses
If you choose to use lemon balm, apply warm water with 3 teaspoons of the herb directly to the shingles rash four to five times per day.
Diet
Eating nutrient-rich foods when you have shingles can help your body fight the virus. Avoiding foods that increase inflammation is also a good idea.
Highly processed, sugary foods can trigger high inflammation and weaken your immune system by putting stress on your body.
Examples of these foods include:
- white bread or rice
- alcohol
- candies
- cakes and pastries
- sugary cereals
- sugary sodas
Some foods that can help support your immune system tend to be high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Examples of foods to eat while you have shingles include:
- kale (vitamin C)
- avocado (vitamin E)
- red meat (zinc)
- sardines (vitamin B12)
- eggs (zinc)
- sweet potato (vitamin A)
- sunflower seeds (vitamin E)
Cooling the rash
Shingles rashes can be itchy, but scratching a shingles rash can cause permanent scarring.
Try applying a cool compress or taking a cool bath to soothe the itch.
Bathing can also help keep a shingles rash clean.
Creams and lotions
Creams and lotions will not heal the rash, but they can make it more comfortable and help prevent you from scratching.
Coconut oil and olive oil may also be good options. Try rubbing the body with the oil and allowing it to soak in for a few hours before washing away the excess.
Oat baths
Adding oatmeal to a bath can provide the skin with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that work to improve skin dryness and scaling and reduce inflammation.
Add colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak for 10–15 minutes.
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