10 Home Remedies For Shingles Pain On Scalp, Back, Eyelid & Legs

Shingles is a result of re-activity of the herpes zoster virus (varicella-zoster virus or VZV). This virus is also the cause of chickenpox in children. Shingles cause extremely dangerous complications if the patient is not treated properly or does not understand the disease. It was estimated that in the US alone, one in three people are said to be impacted by shingles at some point of his/her life ^[1].

You are reading this article of 10 Effective Home Remedies For Shingles Pain to find a really effective solution for this condition, right? If so, you are at the right place because here we will provide you with the most basic information as well as home remedies for this condition

What Is Shingles?

Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is a varicella-zoster virus infection, also a chicken pox virus. Even after you have cured chickenpox, the virus can still live in the nervous system for many years before reactivation, then causes shingles. Shingles can also be called herpes zoster. This is a viral infection characterized by red skin rash, causing pain and burning. Shingles manifests as a blister on one side of the body, usually on the body, neck or face. It is not a life-threatening condition but can be painful. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles, early treatment can help shorten the time of infection and reduce the risk of complications ^[2]. In accordance with medical experts, once suffer from this condition, the virus will stays in your body and remains dormant causing no problems. Nonetheless, some people have their virus activated, particularly at times of weakened immunity. This is when shingles outbreaks happen.

What Are Common Causes Of Shingles?

• Varicella zoster is the culprit causing chickenpox and shingles. First, the human body exposed to the virus, this virus is spreading ulcer, itching called chickenpox. Then they enter the neurons, reappearing after a few years or even decades later, causing shingles. Scientists still do not know what the reason for reactive disease is, probably because of the immunity that reacts to the infection reducing as you age. Varicella-zoster is part of a group of bacteria called the herpes virus, which includes herpes and genital herpes. Therefore, shingles are also known as herpes zoster. However, the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles is not a virus that causes herpes or genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection.
• Diseases can develop into epidemic in the summer, rainy season due to exposure or living with people infected. The use of towels, towels … with the patient can cause you to be infected.

What Are Symptoms Of Shingles?

Signs and symptoms of shingles could include the following:

• Symptoms of shingles that usually occur before the onset of the lesion are usually a burning sensation, pain in the onset of the injury, as well as a few or more systemic symptoms such as fatigue, headache, etc. The peripheral lymph node may be swelling and painful.
• Shingles usually focus on one side of the body, along the nerve endings, in some special cases that can be spread on both sides.
• The shingles usually start with light reddish patches, rounded oval, oval nodes, scattered or clustered into long strips. After 1 to 2 hours, the red patches appear as vesicles filled with fluid, hard to break, blisters clustered in bunches (like bunches of grapes). After rupture, blisters leave scarring (if infection).
• People with shingles could also experience headaches, fever, fatigue, or light sensitivity ^[3].

How Does Shingles Develop?

• Before the redness, the patient may feel a burning sensation and sensitivity to the skin several days to a week.
• Shingles start with blisters on the red skin and continue to form for 3-5 days. Blisters usually follow the nerve path of the spinal cord.
• In the end, the blisters are broken and begin to drip the water. Then the surface of the skin becomes dry and scarred. This process can last 3-4 weeks from the onset of illness to the time of illness, but sometimes it is still painful though not to see the blisters.

How Dangerous Shingles Are?

Shingles can cause the following harmful effects:

• Paralysis Of Motor Nerves.

Virus in blisters can spread along the horn cells before the spinal cord and internal nerves lead to paralysis of the motor nerves.

• The Shingles Cause Paralysis Of The Facial Nerve.

When the virus infects the facial nerve and auditory nerve, blisters appear around the ear and ears, it is accompanied by deep pain inside the ear causing hearing loss, paralysis of the facial nerve, lose one-third of the taste in the tongue.

• Eye Diseases

The shingles arise at the 3 nerve endings in the eye, which can cause salivary gland and tear secretion which impede vision then lead to keratitis, conjunctivitis, even cause blindness.

• Diseases Related To The Brain

When the virus infects the skull, it can lead to meningitis, meningitis. Without timely processing, it could lead to life-threatening.

• Diseases In The Intestines And Urethra

Viruses infiltrate the internal nervous system, leading to symptoms in the intestines and urethra.

• Scars

In people whose skin appears large blisters, warts and necrosis may have large scars when cured.

• Cancer

The shingles can lead to squamous cell carcinoma.

• Danger With The Fetus

Pregnant women who suffer from shingles may be dangerous to the fetus because the maternal and fetal metabolism is the same.

Who Is At Risk Of Shingles?

Everyone is at risk for shingles. But when you get older, you are more likely to risk the shingles. People who are suffering from some diseases that impact the immune system, such as blood diseases (chronic lymphocytes, Hodgkin …), diabetes, cancer, meningitis, immunodeficiency, mental depression, body weakness, herpes simplex virus, chicken pox … may be a good cause for shingles to occur ^[4] [5].

Besides, if you take drugs that impact the immune system like immunodeficiency drugs, chances are you will be more likely to get shingles.

When To See A Doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from getting worse and avoid emergency situations. Therefore, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to avoid this condition. If you have any of these signs or symptoms or have any questions, please consult your doctor.

There, you have discovered some information about shingles, it is time to find out what the best effective home remedies for shingles are. Take a look at TrueRemedies.com!

Top 10 Effective Home Remedies For Shingles

1. Garlic

This is the first one in this series of home remedies for shingles that does not cost you too much. Garlic is rich in allicin, which helps fight harmful viruses. Allicin in unprocessed garlic inhibits the growth of bacteria, as well as one fifth of penicillin and one tenth of tetracycline.

The oil from garlic is rich in glucene, aliin, and phytonoxite which have the use of bactericidal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. In addition, garlic also contains large amounts of vitamins A, B, C, D, PP, carbon hydrates, polysaccharides, inulin, fitoxterin and other minerals necessary for the body such as iodine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, trace elements. Antimicrobial in garlic helps kill bacteria and heals the shingles quickly.

Method 1: Home Remedies For Shingles Using Only Garlic

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 1 garlic clove.
• Rinse the garlic and crush it.
• Use garlic crushed to apply on shingles area. Leave for 30 minutes

Method 2: Garlic And Water

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare a garlic clove, 20 ml boiling water.
• Rinse the garlic and crush it.
• Put the garlic in to boiling water and steam them for 5 minutes.
• Take the juice of garlic and use it to cover the shingles area for 1-2 hours

Method 3: Garlic And Alcohol

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 2-3 garlic cloves, 20 ml of alcohol.
• Rinse the garlic and crush them.
• Mix the garlic with alcohol and leave for 2-3 days.
• Use the mixture to cover your shingles area for 1-2 hours for the best result.

Method 4: Garlic And Onion

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 2-3 garlic cloves, a half of onion
• Rinse the garlic and onion and grind them by the grinder then mix them together.
• Take the juice and use it to apply to your shingles area for 1 hour for the best effect.

You can implement this method 1-2 times a day for the best results.

2. Melaleuca Oil

Among home remedies for shingles, Melaleucais is one of the most effective. Melaleuca has two major components: Eucalyptol 42-52% and α-Terpineol 5-12%. Eucalyptol is antiseptic and cleanses but does not irritate the skin. Therefore, using melaleuca oil to cure shingles will give rapid results.

Not only is melaleuca oil a popular agent for dealing with infectious organisms, but it is also a natural astringent working to relieve a number of skin conditions. With antiviral properties, this oil is considered a strong treatment among home remedies for shingles.

The way to implement this method is very simple, you only need to follow these steps below:

• Prepare 1 tablespoon of Melaleuca essential oil, 3 tablespoons water.
• Mix the essential oil with water and use the mixture to apply to the shingles.
• Do this remedy 3 times a day to bring the effect.

Alternatively, mix melaleuca oil with olive oil for creating a massage lotion, then rub it gently onto the rash a few times per day for itch and pain relief.

Or, you can also malaleuca oil with lavender oil to create a cold or hot compress. Make this compress by putting 5-10 drops of each oil into a pan of water. Place a cloth into the liquid before being wrung out. After that, it could be applied to the affected area for 15 minutes till it reaches to body temperature.

3. Apply Cold

This is another must-try home treatment in regard to home remedies for shingles. The cold can relieve pain and swelling of the bumps and prevent the spread of blisters. This treatment is applied when the skin area is affected before the rash, preferably when there is a tingling sensation.

The way to implement this remedy is very simple, follow these steps below:

• Prepare 2-3 ice
• Use the ice to apply to your shingles and leave for 4-5 minutes.

You can implement this remedy 2-3 times a day, every day in a week to bring the results. You can also soak your shingles area into ice water for a few minutes and then dry it as a replacement method.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a very effective solution regarding to home remedies for shingles. Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, E, B and many essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium … with amino acids and enzymes … They are all components necessary for all human activities. Aloe vera gel has antibacterial and anesthetic properties. It is used for disinfection, urinalysis. It can also soothe skin wounds.

The emulsion is made from aloe vera can be used to cure Eczema or other measles. Thanks to glycoprotein, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and allergy properties, help heal wounds. Regular consumption of aloe vera helps maintain a healthy weight and provides important vitamins and minerals for the body. Therefore, using aloe vera as a treatment of shingles will give you the quickly effective.

Method 1: Home Remedies For Shingles Using Only Aloe Vera

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 200 grams aloe vera
• Rinse the aloe vera and peel the shell of aloe vera.
• Grind the aloe vera by the grinder and take the juice.
• Use the juice of aloe vera to apply to your shingles area. Leave for 1 hour.

You can do this 2-3 times a day for the best results.

Method 2: Aloe Vera And Honey

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 200 grams aloe vera, 3 teaspoons of honey.
• Rinse aloe vera and peel the shell of it.
• Grind aloe vera by the grinder and mix with honey. Stir well.
• Use the mixture above to apply to your shingles area and leave for 30 minutes.

You can do this method 4-5 times a week for the best effect.

5. Honey

This remedy is one of little – known home remedies for shingles. Honey contains more than 70 different substances and they are the most important substances of the body.

Minerals: calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, chlorine, phosphorus, sulfur, iodine. Some honey also contains radium, not to mention organic substances (molic, vinic, citric, and lactic) proteins, vitamins, xanthophylls, stimulants, and bios.

Vitamin: Honey contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, E, K, C and carotenoids. Vitamin content in honey depends on the amount of pollen in the honey. The vitamins found in honey are B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and certain amino acids. The minerals found in honey include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.

Honey is a natural sweetener with antioxidant content, free of fat and cholesterol. The use of honey as home remedies for shingles brings a quick effect because honey helps to kill bacteria and heal the wound quickly ^[6].

The way to implement this remedy is very simple, you only need to follow these steps below:

• Prepare 2 teaspoons of honey.
• Take a little cotton to absorb into honey and then dip into the shingles.
• Leave for 15 minutes and rinse the shingles area with warm water.

You can implement this remedy 3 times a day for the best effect.

6. Milk

The next treatment in this list of home remedies for overactive bladder is milk. Milk is considered one of the best sources of vitamin D. A glass of milk contains a lot of nutrients necessary for the body. Researchers point out that vitamin D in milk is anti-aging. High levels of vitamin D and the calcium ingredient available in milk helps fight off the disease of shingles effectively. Milk helps to heal wounds and blisters.

The way to implement this remedy is very simple, you only need to use a little cotton to absorb into the milk then dip into shingles for a few minutes. Implement this remedy 2-3 times in a day for the best effect.

7. Onion

Onion is rich in vitamins A, B, C and is a potent source of folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chromium, iron and fiber. Onion is considered to have high anti-inflammatory properties.

Sulfur in the onion prevents the formation of blood clots, restricts bad cholesterol in the blood, reduces triglycerides, anti-inflammatory, and lowers blood sugar. Onions have analgesic effect on the shingles due to the anti-inflammatory properties of onions that help heal blisters.

Method 1: Home Remedies For Shingles Using Only Onion

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 1 onion.
• Rinse the onion and grind it by the grinder.
• Take the juice of onion and use it to apply to your shingles area.
• Leave for 20 minutes and rinse your shingles area with warm water.

You can implement this method twice a day for the best results.

Method 2: Onion And Water

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 1 onion, 300 ml water.
• Rinse the onion and grind it by the grinder.
• Put the onion just grinded into a bowl and steam it with water for 10 minutes.
• Leave it for 10 minutes and use the mixture to cover your shingles area.

You can do this method 2 times a day for the best effect.

8. Fig Leaf

Fig is one of the little know home remedy for shingles pain. It is used to cure shingles pain because it has good anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to eradicate bacteria in shingles.

Method 1: Home Remedies For Shingles Using Only Fig Leaf

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 3-4 fig leaves.
• Rinse the fig leaves and grind it by the grinder.
• Use the mixture above to apply to the shingles area.
• Leave for 20 minutes and rinse the shingles area with warm water.

Method 2: Fig Leaf And Water.

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 3 fig leaves, 200 ml water.
• Rinse the fig leaves and grind it by the grinder.
• Steam the fig leaves with water 5 minutes.
• Use the mixture above to apply to your shingles area.
• Leave 10 minutes and rinse your shingles area with warm water.

You can implement this method twice a day for the best effect.

9. Green Tea

The next one in this of home remedies for shingles pain is green tea. Green tea contains high levels of flavonoids, antioxidants which is capable of removing dangerous free radicals. Green tea has been shown to activate the detoxifying enzyme inside the body to prevent the growth of tumors, and there is a connection between cancer prevention and tea drinking.

Green tea contains other antioxidants called catechins. These catechins, especially epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) and epicatechingallate (ECG), can inhibit the growth of many bacterial species. Thesecatechins bind together into the membrane surrounding the bacteria. By digging into the outer layers of the bacteria, EGCG and ECG prevent bacteria from damaging the pathogen. Therefore, the use of green tea to cure shingles will help kill the bacteria in the blister and help the skin recover.

Method 1: Home Remedies For Shingles Using Only Green Tea

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 3-10 green tea leaves.
• Rinse the green tea leaves and grind it by the grinder.
• Use the green tea leaves just grinded to apply to the area of shingles.
• Leave for 30 minutes and rinse the shingles area with warm water.

You can implement this method every day in a week for the best treatment.

Method 2: Green Tea And Mint

To implement this method, please follow these steps below:

• Prepare 10 grams of green tea leaves, 10 grams of mint, and 500 ml water.
• Rinse the green tea leaves and mint.
• Cut them into small pieces and boiling them with water for 5 minutes.
• Take the juice of the mixture and use the juice to rinse your shingles area.

You can implement this method 4-5 times a week for the best results.

10. Epsom Salts

Epsom salt is a mineral compound in nature that contains magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an essential role in coordinating and organizing many functions of the body. It also helps prevent arteriosclerosis. Sulfate: helps improve the absorption of nutrients, toxins, reduce migraine.

Using Epsom salts every week will add magnesium, help you feel relaxed, improve mood, reduce muscle tension and regulate heart rate through the regulation of electrolytes in the body. The chemical components in salt have an anti-inflammatory effect and relieve muscle tension and help restore the shingles of the body. Therefore, you can you Epsom salts as a treatment of shingles.

To make use of Epsom salt for shingle relief, you just need to add Epsom salts to the bath water and soak your shingles area for 15-20 minutes, then dry it by using a soft towel.

Implement this remedy every day to make your shingles recovered quickly.

11. Essential Oils

• Geranium essential oil: It has been shown to decrease pain because of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) which follows a shingles outbreak. You can use geranium oil to relieve painful sensations in a few minutes. Even, it seems better than topical capsaicin in terms of performance. Capsaicin is usually recommended for shingles pain, yet may take weeks to see improvement ^[7].
• Lemongrass and lemon balm oil: Lemongrass oil is one of the strongest antiviral oils against the virus causing herpes and shingles as well. It is also a potentially effective treatment for shingles. Nevertheless, as it is an extremely hot and probably burn your skin, you can opt for lemon balm oil, kaka Melissa officinalis oil, which is a better option to apply directly to your blisters. Simply keep lemongrass oil for your diffuser or bathwater. Melissa oil is much gentler and possesses the same antiviral property, but be warned, it is rather expensive.
• Lavender oil: there are a lot of good reasons to make use of lavender oil for shingles treatment. It is a gentle, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and analgesic oil that you could apply to your blisters in order to fight off the virus, pain and inflammation. Furthermore, it makes you feel sleepy and relaxed if you diffuse.
• Clove oil: This is an anti-inflammatory, antiviral and analgesic oil, thereby being able to treat virus, infection and pain. It is rather hotter than lavender, so you should dilute it prior to using it to the blisters.
• Peppermint oil: Being a highly versatile and commonly used essential oil, peppermint oil possesses antiviral effects against herpes virus, yet it should be diluted before using.

Some other essential oils for shingles relief are tea tree oil, manuka oil, eucalyptus oil and black cumin seed oil ^[8].

Remember, you can apply essential oils to your affected skin areas after diluting it in the carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil.

12. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

When it comes to home remedies for shingles pain, this treatment sounds strange but it does work. It can relieve common shingles symptoms like itching. Bathing in water that is infused with colloidal oatmeal will give you almost instant relief from itchiness.

However, do not use hot water as it just worsen the condition ^[9].

13. Dietary Change

In addition to using natural ingredients to handle shingles, you should also pay attention to your diet regime. There are some good and bad foods for shingles that you had better add to and limit in your daily diet.

Some of good foods are:

• Foods rich in B-vitamins: Because the nervous system is attacked by the shingles virus, so you should add B vitamins-rich foods, such as cultured dairy, grass-fed beef, organic chicken, eggs, and wild-caught fish.
• Garlic and onions: As mentioned above, these spices have allicin, which could help improve immune function.
• Water: drinking enough water is the key to removing the virus from your whole system. Drink at least 8 ounces every 2 hours.
• Foods high in vitamin C: add yellow fruits, orange and veggies to help increase your vitamin C intake, boosting your immune system and promote healing process.
• Green leafy veggies: they are rich in beta-carotene as well as calcium, boosting immune function.

Some of bad foods are:

• Fruit juices: Despite orange juice has some vitamin C, it is not as rich in vitamin C as whole fruits or vegetables.
• Sugar: You should reduce white blood cells that can fight off infection.
• Caffeine: This depletes your body of hydration, so you need to avoid it.
• Fried foods: They promote the acidic environment, so you need to avoid such foods.
• Carbonated drinks: These beverages also promote an acidic system, so limit them during your acute ailment.

To sum up, shingles risk despite increases with age, regardless of age, we could always make an everyday attempt to improve our immune system. By that way, we will guard our bodies against shingles and other health issues, both big and small.

The above-mentioned home remedies for shingles are claimed to be able to reduce the symptoms of heavy or prolonged periods. Choose some of them and alternate them in your treating to see how effective they are. If you have any contributing ideas about our article of “Top 20 Effective Home Remedies For Shingles Pain” introduced in Home Remedies Category, do not hesitate to drop your words below this post. We will answer as soon as we could.

• Beauty Issues
• Scalp
• Skin Disorders