Shingles is an extremely painful viral condition that affects the nerve endings in the skin. It can affect people of any age, however is most common in those over 50.

Symptoms

• Painful rash with reddened skin and blisters that follow the path of a nerve
• 3-4 days of slight fever, chills, upset stomach and body aches may precede the outbreak of the blisters
• Painful skin sensations described as burning, tingling, itching, or prickling are then followed by the development of an inflamed red rash which is very sensitive to touch; the pain remains and may be continuous or intermittent
• The blisters, rash and tenderness usually occur on only one side of your face or body
• May be accompanied by numbness, headache, fever, depression
• After 7-14 days, the blisters form scabs and drop off, although more serious cases may last longer and pain can persist for months or even years in rare cases

Causes

The same virus that causes chickenpox (Herpes zoster), causes shingles. People who have had chickenpox are usually immune from getting it again. However, the virus stays in the system, lying dormant in the spinal cord and nerve tissue, and may be re-activated years later causing shingles.

Situations that affect the immune system, such as serious illness, stress or trauma, can cause the virus to be re-activated. The virus spreads to the ends of the nerves where it causes them to send pain signals to the brain. This nerve irritation is the source of the symptoms of burning, shooting, tingling pain and the extreme skin sensitivity.

Shingles is a serious condition that should always be treated by a healthcare professional. Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms.

Calamine lotion and wet compresses are helpful to soothe the itch.

Natural Therapies

• Echinacea helps strengthen the immune system and may assist your body in fighting the infection; the antioxidant nutrients betacarotene, vitamins C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium may also be of assistance
• The minerals magnesium and potassium are supportive to the nervous system and may help to reduce nerve pain
• The herb hypericum traditionally used for the nerve pain that can be experienced in shingles

Lifestyle Factors

Varying the ratio of certain amino acids in the diet is beneficial. A diet high in L-lysine and low in L-arginine is recommended. To achieve this you need to avoid foods such as chocolate, cereal grains, nuts, and seeds which are rich in L-arginine, and at the same time increase foods, high in the amino acid L-lysine, such as vegetables, legumes, fish, turkey and chicken.

Some people find that a short period (10-15 minutes) of sunlight daily can help to heal the blisters.

Remedy

To avoid further infection, avoid itching or scratching the blisters, but be sure to maintain good hygiene practices and wash them gently every day.

Get plenty of rest and avoid stress, which is weakening to your immune system.

Important Notes

Seek medical assistance urgently if the shingles appear on the face, particularly near the nostrils or eyes.

You should also consult your healthcare professional if your rash persists for longer than 10 days without improvement, or if the blisters become infected (swollen or pustular).

Source: www.blackmores.com.au

Infections results from invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses.

Symptoms

The symptoms of infection depend on its location and the type of organism which has created it. Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Fatigue
• Redness, swelling, heat or streaks around a wound

Causes

Infections are caused by bacteria and viruses trying to invade our bodies. Once they have taken up residence in the body, they try to reproduce and survive. Most of these organisms are detected and quickly dealt with by our immune systems before they have time to take hold.

Those that survive do so by preying on healthy cells and tissue. The process of invasion, growth, and our body’s reaction to the organism is what is meant by the term infection.

Our body’s quick (immune) response usually stops all infections. However, sometimes this does not occur as the body’s immune system is weak and not functioning as it should.

Recurrent or chronic infections, even very mild colds, are signs the immune system is weakened. This can be caused by chronic ill-health, poor dietary habits, stress, smoking and exposure to allergens.

The means by which infections are transferred from one person to another (or from one part of the body to another), are largely related to hygiene and include exposure to droplets from sneezing or coughing, sharing eating utensils and towels, and not washing the hands after going to the toilet.

Natural Therapies

• Andrographis & Garlic are herbs which can help heal minor infections
• Boosting your immunity with Echinacea during winter or when you are run-down is also a good idea; an antioxidant supplement containing vitamins A, C, E, zinc and selenium will also be beneficial for your immune system
• The topical use of products containing Tea tree oil can help heal skin infections such as acne

Lifestyle Factors

Rest is an important part of curing an infection. Listen to your body and don’t try to do more than you are capable of. Try to relax and rest as much as possible.

Eat a light diet of fresh fruits and vegetables when you have an infection – especially the foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits), vitamin E (wheatgerm, seeds and seed oils), vitamin A (red, yellow or orange coloured fruits and vegetables, or dark-green leafy vegetables).

Maintaining your body fluids by drinking lots of filtered water and diluted fresh fruit juices will help to prevent dehydration. Alcohol, caffeine and other diuretic substances should be avoided.

Smoking whilst you have an infection will make it harder for your body to heal itself. If you must smoke, remember to take extra vitamin C.

Remedy

Practice good personal hygiene and avoid kissing or sharing utensils with others who are sick. Remember to extend your hygiene practices to your food – particularly meat products, and don’t eat food prepared under unhygienic conditions.

If you are prone to recurrent infection, supplement your diet with vitamin C, an antioxidant supplement, or the herb Echinacea.

Don’t push yourself too hard. Taking rest when you need it will reduce the likelihood of becoming run down and vulnerable to infection. Remember that feelings and symptoms of stress are your body’s way of telling you that it’s not coping.

Important Notes

Recurrent infections are common in those with depleted immunity (for example those with HIV or chronic fatigue syndrome), and in those taking immuno-suppressive drugs. Consult with your healthcare professional for more information.

You should also consult your healthcare professional if you or your child develops a high fever, or if your infection fails to respond to treatment.

Source: www.blackmores.com.au