Relief for Shingles Sufferers

Paula Gallagher on
pain relief for shingles sufferersShingles is a painful viral infection of the sensory nerves that is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox (varicella zoster). After having chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in the spinal cord until it is triggered by stress or an immune insult. Shingles tends to appear most frequently in adults over the age of 60 and is characterized by painful blisters over the skin where the nerve is located. The blisters can last for 1 to 2 weeks, but the pain can stick around for many months.

Along with the rash, blisters and pain, shingles can produce a wide range of symptoms that usually disappear in 3 to 5 weeks:

  • Light sensitivity
  • Flu-like symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea, chills, fever, swollen glands or joint pain
  • Headache, confusion and drowsiness
  • Postherpetic neuralgia

The most common symptom associated with shingles is pain ranging from mild tingling or tenderness to intense, throbbing fiery pain. For 20% of people, the pain becomes chronic. Called postherpetic neuralgia, it often affects the forehead or chest, leading to difficulty eating, sleeping, performing regular activities, and even depression.

For some, the pain lasts for weeks or months. For others, it lasts forever. Those at risk of postherpetic neuralgia are primarily those over age 60; it may also be more common in women.

Who is At Risk?

Although the the precise mechanism that causes the virus to reactivate isn’t absolutely known, it is believed that physical and emotional stressors weaken the immune system and contribute to the onset of the disease.

Risk factors

  • Having chicken pox under 1 year of age
  • Being 50 or over
  • Immune-suppressant drugs following organ transplant
  • Hemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Recent surgery or injury
  • Serious illness or disease, such as cancer, or chronic diseases that suppress the immune system, such as diabetes, lupus, HIV and AIDS
  • Poor nutrition
  • Stress
  • Being a woman (some studies have indicated women are more likely to develop shingles)

If you do suffer from shingles, here are some suggestions for relief. Before you take any supplement, consult with a health care practitioner to make sure it is right for you.

Supportive Supplements

Pathway Herp-Ease – This liquid herbal formula is designed to enhance immune function. Ingredients include neem, licorice, St. Johns wort and turmeric for a powerful anti-viral and anti-inflammatory blend. Take 60 drops three times daily.

Pathway Echinacea – Supports the body’s immune response. Take 2 capsules every 2 hours at onset.

Pathway Lysine (500 mg capsule) – An amino acid that helps fight the zoster virus. Take 1 capsule, three daily.

Pathway B Complex 50 – Essential for healthy nerve function. Take 1 capsule twice daily.

Topical Support – Peppermint essential oil applied to the blisters can provide a numbing effect, and St. John’s wort oil is supportive to nerve tissue.

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