Shingles Medical Alternative Treatment

Shingles, or what is also known as Herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes blisters and pain. It is similar to chickenpox and is common between the ages of 60 and 80 years of age. The typical treatment of shingles is by the medications Famciclivor, Valacyclovir, or Acyclovir.

Geranium oil

In the 2003 American Journal of Medicine, geranium oil was shown effective for postherpetic neuralgia pain relief. The study shown that the relief was in proportion to the percentage of oil that was used, therefore 50 percent geranium oil was better at pain relief than 10 percent geranium oil.

Proteolytic Enzymes

These are enzymes from digesting protein and produced in the pancreas. Some foods have it as well, like pineapple and papaya. It has pain relief and skin improvement, according to a German study.

Tai Chi

This form of Chinese martial art helps by improving health and immune function in those who are of the age to be at risk for shingles. There were signs that a 15-week program of three 45-minute classes a week helped improved those taking it.

Capsaicin Cream

This is the a chili pepper’s active ingredient and it can be used for postherpetic pain. It depletes a neurochemical that helps transmit pain, so it has an analgesic effect. There can be a stinging or burning and it may take a few weeks to start working. A 0.025 percent capsaicin cream used two to four times daily is the typical dose for shingles help.

 Cool Baths

Lastly, there is a good home method of taking several cool baths throughout the day to help relieve the pain and itching of the blisters. A cool wet compress can also be used.