Man is considered to be the strongest being in the universe, due to his ability to manipulate nature to some extent. However, the potent man too has certain vulnerabilities. Every part of our body is susceptible to ailments. So, it comes as no surprise if one suffers from skin diseases. These skin diseases are painful, and to add to the misery, a majority of people shy away from receiving appropriate treatments, because it is still considered a taboo.

Shingles: chickenpox’s dreaded counterpart

Shingles stem from chickenpox. Shingles give rise to painful, angry rashes, that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles appear in a line, a band, or affect a small area around the face or body. If you ever suffered from chickenpox, after it passes, the virus remains dormant in your nerve roots. In some people, the virus awakens and attack them. Though the disease does sound grave, the different queries that you would be pondering on- ‘are shingles treatable?’, ‘how to treat shingles?’, ‘are the treatments effective?’ etc. can be laid to rest, since shingles are treatable, and these treatments are effective as well.

Here are some of the most effective treatments that would put your query- ‘How to treat shingles?’ to rest.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar tops the list of home remedies that can answer your ‘how to treat shingles?’ query. It’s anti-microbial in nature and can effectively help in clearing blisters that are caused by shingles. Being an astringent, it can also relieve one from the pain caused by shingles. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and rub it on the affected area. Repeat the procedure for some time, and the pain would recede.

• Organic Honey

Honey is known for its medicinal properties and has been widely-used since ages. It heals our skin and the entire process would be a gentle one. Apply honey to the affected area and tie a bandage around it. The honey would reduce the irritation caused by the shingles, and regular application of the same would get rid of shingles in no time.

• Aloe Vera and Cayenne Pepper

Aloe Vera and Cayenne Pepper, both are hailed for their anti-microbial properties. In fact, Aloe Vera is used for curing a lot of skin ailments. Make a mixture of Aloe Vera and Cayenne Pepper, and apply it to the affected area. This would stop the infection from spreading and can reduce the inflammation.

• Green Tea

Everyone is aware of how great green tea is. It helps you reduce weight, keep your skin clean, keeps ailments at bay. What you didn’t know is that green tea can be used to treat shingles effectively. The anti-viral properties of green tea are great in helping keep the shingles under control. Also, it would help soothe your nerves as well.

• Essential Oils

Essential oils are great for your hair and skin. And, people often vouch for these essential oils, since it helps them relax and gives their skin a healthy glow. Essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus and bergamot are proven to help treat shingles effectively . Often, they are diluted with olive oil and when applied frequently to shingles, can effectively reduce it.

• Vitamins

Vitamins are the imperative for a healthy skin and to strengthen the immunity system as well. In order to treat shingles, people opt for the vitamin treatment, which involves consuming vitamin C, or supplements of the same to recover faster.

• Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil works wonders for your hair. But, it’s not just your hair that it works on, when it is used to treat shingles, it works effectively. Apply virgin coconut oil to the affected area and leave it on for some time. Since it is equipped with anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, the shingles would disappear in no time.

• Myrrh

A tincture of Myrrh can be used to cure shingles. Apply it to the affected area at least 3 times a day, and within few days, the shingles would start drying and falling off. One drop of this tincture can be taken internally as well.

• Lemon Balm

A warm compress with dissolved lemon balm is the perfect concoction that would help reduce the pain inflicted by the shingles. The lemon balm would stop the irritation and the warm compress would keep the pain at the bay. Repeat this procedure till the pain subsides.

• Baking Soda

In order to stop the itching sensation, you can make a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the affected area, and one can feel the burning sensation subside. Use a cold compress after using the paste. The irritation would subside in no time.

You don’t have to pop unwanted pills to get rid of shingles, you can do it the easy way, with home remedies.