Shingles, also called Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection which leads to a painful rash. It generally appears as a line of blisters on one side (typically near the waistline) but could also be located on the facial skin, neck and various other parts of the body. It's caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus, the same virus that causes Chickenpox. The virus does not leave the body once someone recovers from Chickenpox. Instead, it lies dormant in nerve tissues. It may reactivate as Shingles years later.
Anybody who has had Chickenpox can contract Shingles, though it's more prevalent in individuals over 50 and with weakened immune systems. You can not get Shingles from someone else. However a person with Shingles can spread the Varicella-Zoster Virus to individuals who haven't had Chickenpox, who could then develop Chickenpox, not Shingles.
The first signs of Shingles include a tingling or distressing feeling on an area of the skin, general tiredness, headache and fever. These symptoms are followed by a red rash and fluid-filled blisters that gradually crust over. It is important to consult a doctor for treatment of the condition to prevent pain and other serious complications.
The reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster Virus in your body causes Shingles, a painful skin disorder. Understanding what might prompt this virus to wake up and become active again may help you control or prevent an outbreak of the disease.
The common triggers of Shingles include:
Weakened Immune System: The most common cause is diminished immune strength from the ageing process or medical conditions that weaken the immune system (for example HIV, cancer or diabetes). Treatments such as Chemotherapy might also hamper the immune system and increase the likelihood of catching Shingles.
Stress: High stress levels could weaken the immune system and facilitate the reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster Virus.
Age: The risk for Shingles increases with age, especially after 50. This is because the immune system also grows weaker with progressing age.
Illness or Injury: Sometimes, an illness or a physical trauma triggers the reactivation of the virus.
Some Medications: Medicines which suppress the immune system like drugs or steroids for auto-immune disorders or organ transplant patients might also raise the risk of a Shingles outbreak.
Shingles has a distinct set of signs and symptoms that can be quite painful and uncomfortable. Shingles usually develop in stages, with pain first and then rashes and blisters later. These symptoms may be moderate or severe and last for several weeks. Recognising these signs early could facilitate faster treatment and reduce the severity and duration of the condition.
The most noticeable symptoms of Shingles are :
You may feel tingling, burning, or numbness on a particular area of your skin before any obvious rash develops. This is often the first sign of Shingles forming.
A red rash usually develops several days after the skin sensations start. It usually begins as a band or small area on one side of the body or face. The rash may sometimes extend from the spine to the stomach around one side of the torso.
The rash quickly becomes clumps of clear blisters that resemble Chickenpox but are usually more painful. These blisters may break open and crust over.
Shingles are usually accompanied by sharp, penetrating pain that may be constant or intermittent. This particular pain tends to be more acute compared to the itchiness and discomfort caused by the rash itself.
Because the virus affects your nerves, you may also experience fever, headache, signs of fatigue, sensitivity to light, stomach upset, etc.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Shingles using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Personalised Ayurvedic Medicines: Herbal blends formulated to balance the body’s energies and eliminate the root-cause.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: Practices to calm the mind, promote mental well being and overall health.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Abhyanga etc are included in treatment to purify the body and help balance emotional health.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert advice on changing or adjusting your eating habits and lifestyle for the best health outcomes.
In Ayurveda, Shingles is treated with therapies and herbal medicines to restore the body's equilibrium and strengthen immunity. These treatments relieve pain and speed up the process of skin healing. Some common Ayurvedic medcinal herbs recommended during treatment of Shingles are given below :
Neem: Neem leaves and oil have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem oil can reduce redness and irritation on the rash and neem tea may boost immunity.
Manjistha (Indian madder): Manjistha purifies the blood and improves circulation. This herb may help clear toxins that worsen Shingles symptoms.
Turmeric: The curcumin in turmeric is an anti-inflammatory compound that can be used both topically and as a food additive. Applying turmeric paste on the rash can help relieve inflammation and pain.
Patola (Pointed Gourd): Patola is recommended for cooling blisters of Shingles.
Triphala: This herbal mixture of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki) contains antioxidant and detoxifying properties. Taking Triphala can improve skin health and immunity.
Daruhaldi (Tree Turmeric): Daruhaldi has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects which may be helpful for skin infections caused by Shingles.
Mulethi (Licorice): Mulethi has immune-boosting and antiviral properties. It is soothing on the skin and can be taken as a tea to support immune function.
Symptoms typically begin 2 to 3 weeks after being exposed to the Shingles virus.
Shingles are less frequent in kids but tend to occur, particularly in kids with weak immune systems.
No, Shingles itself isn't contagious but the virus could result in Chickenpox in an unvaccinated individual who has never had it before.
Stress management, eating right and getting enough sleep may ease Shingles symptoms and accelerate recovery.
A Shingles diagnosis is based on the history of pain on one side of the body and the particular pattern of rash and blisters.
Ayurveda can help ease the symptoms of Shingles and prevent complications with herbal treatments and lifestyle advice.
Herbs like Ashwagandha and Giloy help in strengthening the immune system and are generally suggested by Ayurvedic practitioners.
Yes, limiting inflammatory foods such as processed sugars and fats and increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods may ease symptoms.
Avoid physical contact with high risk people (pregnant women, infants or people with weak immune systems) until your blisters have crusted over.
