How to Treat Shingles on the Face – Medication and Natural Remedies
Article by Jared Wright
Shingles is a painful viral infection that develops sore rash and blisters on the skin. These rashes can develop anywhere including on the face which can be a very agonizing experience. One of the worse things about shingles is that the pain can stay with you for a long period of time, including years when all your symptoms have disappeared, widely known as ‘postherpetic neuralgia.’ Having said that, there are adequate medication and remedies to treat shingles effectively if you receive the proper treatment.
Most of the time, shingles are not that serious, and the mild symptoms can be treated without seeking a doctor. However, having shingles on your face is especially dangerous. If sore rashes develop close to the eyes, you must visit the doctor as soon as possible, as it can lead to permanent damage to your eyes. Timely treatment is very important especially for people with immune systems that are weaker. The risk of having other related bacterial skin infections increase when you have shingles. There is also a risk of damage to the eyes and ears, and a facial paralysis. Therefore, you must seek proper consultation from your doctor and follow the treatment closely to avoid any complications. You must not take any chances if shingles develop on the face.
Depending on the seriousness of your infection, your doctor will be able to advise suitable treatment. Anti-virals are a usual choice, alongside anti-inflammatory drugs. More powerful drugs may be necessary if the pain persists. Topical lotions and antibiotic ointments are important to ensure that the blisters stay dry and heal quickly. Injections of vitamin B12 provide pain relief.
Besides these, there are some easy, self-help, natural remedies that can be followed at home in order to relieve pain and itching of rashes on the face. Firstly, you don’t want the infection to spread or make way for any bacterial attacks, so keep your rashes clean and dry. Apply ice packs and cool towels to your face regularly. Apply fresh pulp of aloe vera along with some cayenne pepper in it. Coconut oil, olive oil or eucylyptus oil are other good options. You can gently massage the skin of your face with these natural oils.
If the blisters are very sore and painful, you can apply coconut oil and aloe vera using cotton balls on the affected area. Use peppermint oil or lemon oil as they relieve pain and work against viruses at the same time. This has several advantages?it relieves pain, keeps the skin dry by absorbing moisture, and helps the blisters to heal quickly.
Maintaining a good diet is another important aspect of good shingles treatment. Eat as much fresh fruits and vegetables as you possibly can for 1 to 2 weeks. Include oatmeal in your regular diet. Eliminate sugar, caffeine and meat from your diet. Alkaline water speeds your recovery. Green tea has great anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and will increase overall health as well.
Thus, you can successfully treat shingles on your face with the help of your doctor and these natural methods. Good medication, along with these effective, organic oils and diet tips is the best treatment method for shingles.
About the Author
Shingles is a viral skin infection that gives you sore rash and blisters. You can find out more about this skin disease by visiting Clivir.com: http://www.clivir.com/lessons/show/symptoms-of-shingles-risk-factors-and-shingles-symptoms.html http://www.clivir.com/lessons/show/what-causes-shingles-is-shingles-a-painful-disease.html
