Shingles – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, June 21, 2018 by Ralph Flores

Shingles, also referred to as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (human herpesvirus type 3), which also causes chickenpox. To note, chickenpox is the acute invasive phase of the virus, while shingles is the reactivation in its latent phase. The condition causes an inflammation of neurons called sensory root ganglia and the skin around the affected ganglion, as well as the gray matter, meninges, and dorsal and ventral roots.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least one million people are infected with shingles per year. In particular, those who have recovered from chickenpox are prone to developing shingles, even children.

For the most part, people who are at risk for shingles can have only one episode during their lifetime.

Known risk factors and symptoms of shingles

People who have been infected with chickenpox are at risk for getting shingles; however, the risk is higher in older adults, as the condition is common in people who aged 50 years and older. Those who have compromised immune systems – including those with immune system diseases like HIV/AIDS, those with certain cancers, and those who are taking immunosuppressive drugs after an organ transplant – are more likely to get shingles. Those who have an infection or are stressed are also at risk of getting the condition.

A person who is infected with shingles will feel the following symptoms before the breakout.

A tingling or painful sensation on the skin
Headaches and a general feeling of malaise

Shingles usually appear on the chest and abdomen, but it can also appear on the eyes, face, and genitals.

Body systems affected by shingles

The following complications can arise from shingles.

Postherpetic neuralgia – If shingles results in damaged nerve fibers, this can cause it to send confused and exaggerated messages of pain from the skin to the brain.
Loss of vision – This occurs if the condition affects the eyes, leading to painful eye infections
Neurological problems – Depending on the damaged area, this can either lead to an inflammation of the brain, as well as facial paralysis and hearing or balance problems.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent or relieve shingles

Some recommended food items to manage shingles include the following.

Fruits and vegetables provide the body with nutrients to boost and maintain the immune system.
Garlic contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and relieves pain related to the condition.
Seaweed can reduce post-herpetic pain felt after shingles.
Whole grains have fiber to help with digestion that can benefit health.
Water, of course, flushes out the virus from the system.

Treatment and management options for shingles

People in cool climates who have been affected by chickenpox should be careful when going to a very warm climate (i.e., to go on a vacation) as sudden exposure to heat and sunshine can increase the risk of shingles.

In general, it’s also wise to avoid food items that contain arginine as this is linked to increased recurrences. Some food items include chocolate, cola, beer, grain cereals, chicken soup, gelatin, seeds, nuts (especially peanuts), and peas.

Acupuncture could also be used to relieve the condition, as there are certain techniques devised to address shingles.