There is no treatment that can cure herpes zoster, so the virus needs to be cleared by each person's immune system, which can take up to 1 month. However, it is possible to take some care at home to relieve symptoms, speed recovery and reduce discomfort caused by infection, such as:
- Rest and avoid tasks that waste lots of energy;
- Keep the affected area clean and dry;
- Avoid covering affected skin;
- Do not scratch the bubbles;
- Apply ice packs over the area to reduce itching.
Also, if itching and pain do not improve with the pads, you can consult a dermatologist or general practitioner to start using creams and ointments that help relieve the symptoms. When the pain is very severe, analgesics, such as Paracetamol, prescribed by a doctor may even be used.
Because the immune system needs to be weakened, shingles is more common in people over 50 or adults with some autoimmune disease, for example. So, although you can treat the symptoms at home, if they are very intense, you should go to the hospital. In these cases, the doctor may advise the use of antivirals, such as Aciclovir, Fanciclovir or Valaciclovir, for example.
Understand better what is shingles and whether it can be passed on to other people.
5 home remedies for herpes zoster
Home remedies for herpes zoster can be used at home along with the treatment indicated by the doctor and, besides helping to relieve the symptoms, also accelerate the healing of the skin.
However, these remedies should only be applied to skin sites without open wounds, because if they can cross the skin they can cause irritation and infection, aggravating the symptoms.
1. Compresses of apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has excellent properties to treat irritations and skin lesions. In the case of herpes zoster, the acidity of the vinegar helps to dry the blisters and therefore, besides facilitating the healing also reduces the itching.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar;
- 1 cup warm water.
Method of preparation
Mix the ingredients in a bowl and then put compresses or pieces of clean cloth into the mixture until they are completely wet. Then remove excess liquid from the compresses and apply directly to the affected and un-wounded skin for 5 minutes. Finally, let the skin dry in the open air.
2. Corn starch paste and bicarbonate
This paste made from corn starch and baking soda is a great natural way to dry herpes zoster lesions while at the same time soothing the skin irritation, reducing any discomfort from the virus infection.
Ingredients
- 10 grams of corn starch (cornstarch);
- 10 grams of baking soda;
- Water.
Method of preparation
Mix the corn starch and baking soda in a small dish and then add a few drops of water until a homogeneous paste is obtained. Lastly, attach this paste over the blisters of shingles, avoiding places with open sores.
After 10 to 15 minutes, remove the paste with warm water and repeat the process several times a day, as needed.
3. Oatmeal bath
Due to its composition with pantothenic acid, beta-glucans, vitamins B1 and B2 and amino acids, oats is a great natural way to protect and soothe skin irritated by shingles.
Ingredients
- 40 grams of oats;
- 1 liter of hot water.
Method of preparation
Add the ingredients in a bowl and let stand until the water is warm. The mixture should then be strained and the liquid stored only. Finally, you should take a shower and use this water over the affected area, ideally without any soap.
4. Calendula oil
The flavonoids present in calendula oil have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin irritation and promote healing of the blisters, reducing the symptoms of itching.
Ingredients
- Calendula oil.
Method of preparation
Put some of the calendula oil in your hand and go over the blisters of the herpes zoster, letting it air dry. This process can be repeated several times a day, especially after washing the skin, for example.
5. Chamomile bath
The plant is a plant widely used as a natural sedative, not only for the nervous system but also for the skin. That way, it can be used on irritated skin, to decrease inflammation and improve sinuses like pain and itching.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of chamomile flowers;
- 1 liter of boiling water.
Method of preparation
Add the ingredients in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Then strain and use the warm water to wash the region affected by herpes zoster.
Another option to use chamomile is to pass pomades made with this plant over the blisters of shingles to reduce itching throughout the day.
