There are many myths and talk around herpes zoster, a skin disease that we usually call shingles. And we say that there are many myths and buzzwords because popular belief claims that the disease causes the passage of a snake or snake on the clothes that are drying on crops, generally wheat.
But the most terrible thing is that this popular belief ensures that if the line of this rash on the skin that follows a similar shape to that of the snake joins at its two ends, ie the head and tail, can result The death of the carrier of this disease.
Nothing is further from reality.
Herpes zoster comes from the same virus that causes chickenpox and after having contracted it, many years later, part of that virus remains as “asleep” in the body and for various reasons that we do not know “wake up” causing this disease in the skin .
Let’s know a bit more about what is shingles.
A portion of the skin becomes inflamed and plaques of blisters containing fluid especially located in the belly or the back appear. This is caused by the same virus as that of chickenpox and is deposited in the body throughout life.
Herpes zoster is reactive at some point resulting in this disease and occurs as a result of a weakening of the immune system caused by certain diseases such as HIV, organ transplantation, certain types of cancer, lack of some vitamins, stress, A chronic nervous state and anxiety disorders.
Those affected will be only those who have contracted chickenpox, a disease very common among children. It begins with an itchy feeling in the torso that then evolves into rashes and into blisters with fluid inside.
It is strange to think that the varicella virus never disappears from the body and subsists within the nervous tissues of the organism. It remains there in latent state and is reactivated at some point due to the mentioned weakening.
What happens when this virus reactivates?
When the virus reactivates it begins to spread through the nerves and it is precisely this that causes the itching in the affected areas. At that time, the virus is already circulating throughout the nervous system and it only takes two or three days to reach the skin.
When the virus reaches the epidermis an eruption of the vesicles grouped and arranged in the path of the affected nerves occurs. The skin becomes extremely sensitive and painful.
Who can get herpes?
If you ever had chickenpox there is a risk that the herpes zoster will react in your body. However, this virus is most commonly reacted in people whose immune system is weak or older than 50 years. The risk increases as we get older, as well as in people who undergo chemotherapy or who are HIV positive. The latter are the most likely.
Let’s know the symptoms.
The first symptom usually corresponds to a severe pain that manifests itself in a single side of the body and that is accompanied by tingling and irritation. Irritation or pain may be on the increase and is a warning sign that the rash will occur.
Another symptom that can occur is the formation of skin lesions followed by the appearance of blisters.
But we can also add these others:
– Genital ulcers
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– Fever and chills
– General discomfort
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– Abdominal pains
– Tiredness, fatigue
Occasionally, the virus can affect the facial nerves. In these cases the most frequent symptoms are:
– Disorders in the vision.
– One of the eyes can be paralyzed.
– Loss of sense of taste.
– Decay of the eyelids.
– Difficulty moving facial muscles.
Let’s gather some home remedies to treat this disease naturally.
– Apply cold water packs to affected areas. Wet a cloth in very cold water, twist to remove the water ex and apply for a few minutes until it reaches room temperature. Repeat.
– Add a handful of oatmeal or corn starch in the bath water. Soak about 20 minutes. Repeat every day before bed to relieve itching.
– Apply undiluted hydrogenated water on the blisters with the aid of a cotton or a dropper in case they have become infected.
– Apply honey on eruptions or cold leek juice several times a day. This will ease the itching.
– Boil 50 g of verbena in a glass of water for five minutes. Strain and apply this liquid with the aid of a cloth over the affected area. Repeat several times and finally dry thoroughly.
– Boil a handful of dandelion in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes. Drink three cups a day.
– Boil two handfuls of acedera leaves or tongue of cow for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool, strain, soak a cloth and apply to the blisters.
– Cut carrot half in pieces, boil and puree. Apply as a poultice on the affected areas.
– Drink several cups of extract tea or lemon balm every day to take advantage of their antiviral properties. This prevents the spread of the virus to other parts of the body. You can also apply tea bags already used that have previously been preserved in the refrigerator.
– Prepare a homemade cream based on cayenne pepper grains and aloe vera gel. Apply on the blisters to restore skin and relieve itching.
– Another medicinal herb that can be of great help is the melissa, very effective in curing the herpes zoster naturally. It relieves itching, has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect. Prepare a tea with a good amount of this herb and let cool. Apply on the area with a cotton or cloth at least four times a day. If you drink this tea you can combat the discomforts associated with the disease like fever or generalized pain.
– The herb called “cat’s claw” may also be helpful in combating shingles. This herb contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and is prepared and administered as well as with the lemon balm.
Attention: This herb can not be consumed by pregnant women.
Other recommendations.
– Eat foods rich in vitamin B and vitamin C as they are a good protector of the immune and nervous system.
– Avoid wearing garments that generate heat in areas where you have blisters such as wool, as this increases pain and discomfort. Wear wide cotton clothing. Synthetic fabrics can cause more stinging and pain.
– Do not try to remove the blisters in any way because this can leave marks on the skin and resent the pain and discomfort.
– Avoid getting in touch with people who have a weakened immune system such as children, people with HIV, cancer patients or people transplanted since they could spread them.
– Relax and avoid stress and anxiety. Use techniques like yoga or meditation that will be very useful.
– Avoid abrupt changes in temperature or drafts because this sends signals that reactivate the nervous system and consequently the pain.
– Expose to the sun for a few minutes to speed up the drying process of the affected area.
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