Home Remedies for Shingles

Shingles is a common skin rash that is caused by the herpes zoster virus. The same virus causes chicken pox but the symptoms here are slightly different. Shingles is marked by skin rashes, redness and pus-forming blisters. Research reveals that this disease mostly occurs in people who have had chicken pox during childhood. The chicken pox virus remains dormant and reactivates as shingles at a later stage.

The factors that trigger shingles include stress, fatigue, a weak immunity system, radiation treatments and skin injuries, among other things.

Home Remedies

Bathe regularly in a tub of tepid water that contains oatmeal. After the bath, crush an aspirin tablet in calamine lotion and apply on the affected areas. The treatment promises a good night's sleep.
Pear juice is a great remedy for shingles. The juice offers strong antiviral properties. Daily consumption is an effective cure for shingles.
Avoid foods that contain amino acids. This includes chocolate, grains, nuts and seeds.
Clean the affected area and leave it exposed to air. Do not scratch the blisters to avoid infection.
Oatmeal powder can be applied on the infected parts to reduce pain and irritation. Similarly, aloe vera gel can be mixed with honey and applied on the rash several times a day. Hydrogen peroxide can also be applied on the infected blisters.
Apple cider vinegar is a very effective cure for shingles. Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with two cups of water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution. Then squeeze out the liquid on to the affected area. Repeat this procedure after every hour for faster relief.
Lightly massage Vitamin E oil on the affected area.
You can also use a solution of baking soda with water as a cold compress.
Take a cup of peppermint tea twice a day to soothe and nourish the skin.