How to Make Treatment for Shingles Rash

Shingles is a skin rash which is caused by the herpes virus Varicella Zoster. Shingles is not contagious and usually affects the elderly, or older persons who suffered from chickenpox (also caused by a herpes virus) in their youth. There is no cure for shingles and while there are medications which may lessen the painful symptoms, some people prefer to take the more natural route to ease the discomfort caused by shingles.

Instructions

1

Practice Tai Chi as a preventative measure against shingles. A study conducted by Michael Irwin, M.D., in 2007 suggested that older adults can boost their immune systems and reduce the risk of contracting shingles by regularly exercising using Tai Chi principles.

2

Avoid foods such as nuts, peanuts (legumes), and chocolate. These foods have high amounts of the amino acid arginine which is used by the herpes virus Varicella zoster, the virus that causes shingles.

3

Prepare a mixture consisting of 80% almond oil and 20% peppermint oil. A study published in the August 1989 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology supports evidence that applying 2 or 3 drops of peppermint oil to the affected area several times a day can help relieve the pain of shingles. Applying pure peppermint oil to the skin can be irritating, however, so it should be mixed with almond oil to avoid additional redness and irritation.

4

Use skin ointment that contains capsaicin three or four times per day. Capsaicin is a natural ingredient found in cayenne peppers. Some people have found relief by applying capsaicin ointments to affected skin.

5

Relax in a cool bath to soothe the skin and prevent overdrying. Finding ways to relieve and control stress can help improve the immune system and overcome the pain of shingles.