Pain Management for Shingles Infection – Natural Remedy vs. Medication

Pain Management for Shingles Infection – Natural Remedy vs. Medication

Article by Jared Wright

Shingles is one of the most annoying viral infections to catch as it is highly painful for most people. Anti-Virals are commonly prescribed by doctors as they help to ease pain and fast recovery. Corticosteroids, an anti-inflammatory medication that helps to reduce pain is another common prescription. However, you should note that anti-inflammatory is not recommended for people with weak immune system.

Corticosteroids can be risky for a person with a weak immune system or for the elderly. With natural remedies, however, there is no fear of side-effects and there are no risks involved. In fact, fresh fruits and vegetables and a diet rich in vitamins can give a natural boost to your immune system and is generally a major part of a natural treatment for shingles.

To combat pain, there is a range of medications available today. Some common over-the-counter options include ibuprofen and aspirin. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants and anticonvulsants, topical medicines or antibiotics, anti- inflammatory drugs, opioid painkillers, nerve block injections. These options are especially useful when the pain does not go away even after the rashes have. This condition is known as post-herpetic neuralgia and requires stronger medication.

The dark side of these medications includes side-effects. Nausea, dizziness, constipation are one of the many side-effects experienced by patients. Topical lotions and antibiotic ointments can irritate the skin in some cases and might lead to further burning and itching.

Another strong point against the mentioned medications is that they might not fully cure shingles and provide long term pain relief solutions. A study conducted at John Hopkins Medical School reveals that just 32% of patients suffering from shingles get pain relief from the use of anti-depressants, and 30% of them are benefited from opioids.

Natural, non-medicated treatment, on the other hand, does not pose any threat to patients, and can work wonders. Ice packs provide temporary relief to itching and pain, whereas natural remedies like herbs and oils not only provide pain relief, but also keep the rashes dry and keep the infection to the minimum. To heal shingles, you need to keep the rashes dry and they will soon disappear.

Oatmeal and clay are very good drying agents and are the appropriate natural remedy for shingles. You can also try massaging with eucalyptus oil as it helps to reduce the burning sensation, itch and pain. Another pain reliever is aloe vera, which when mixed with coconut oil and cayenne pepper, can accelerate the healing process. Natural remedies, unlike doctors prescribed medications, can be used by any patient regardless of age.

Natural remedies are a boon for those who are not benefited from medications. There are also times when prescribed medications do not seems to work at all for certain patients. At this time, natural treatment remedies will serve as the best alternative treatment options.

Hence, it is ultimately upon the person to decide which course to take. Both natural remedies and medication have their own pros and cons. Depending on the seriousness of your shingles infection, you can choose to use natural remedies to stop the pain and even cure the infection completely.

You can always continue prescribed medicines and couple them with natural remedies after consulting your doctor. It is good to bear in mind that natural remedies or prescribed medication might not be suitable for all. You must see what works out best for you. The choice, after all, is all yours.

About the Author

Shingles is an agonizing viral infection that gives you sore rashes and blisters on your skin. You can learn more about this skin condition on Clivir.com: http://www.clivir.com/lessons/show/symptoms-of-shingles-risk-factors-and-shingles-symptoms.html http://www.clivir.com/lessons/show/what-causes-shingles-is-shingles-a-painful-disease.html