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Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and blisters. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. About 95 percent of North American children will contract chick­enpox before age 18. After you get chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your nerves and years later it may reactivate as shingles. About one in 10 healthy adults who have had chickenpox eventually develop shingles. With shingles the virus travels along a nerve pathway to your skin, causing rash and blistering and pain. It typically affects the torso, but it can also affect an area around the eyes, face, or cheeks.

While it can be painful, in most cases shingles clears up in a few weeks. However, about one in five people develop a complication from damaged nerve fibres called posther-petic neuralgia, which causes skin pain and sensitivity that can last for several months.

The best way to help prevent a shingles outbreak is to manage stress levels and follow a healthy lifestyle. Once the virus is reactivated, there are some medical treat­ments and supplements that can help speed recovery and ease symptoms.

THE HERPES FAMILY

Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses, which includes the viruses that cause cold sores, genital herpes, and chickenpox/shingles. While the symp­toms among these viruses vary widely, they all can lie dormant in your nervous system for years after an initial infection and then be reactivated and cause infection.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Clear, fluid-filled blisters Fever, chills, and headache

•  Pain, burning, tingling, itching, numbness, or extreme sensitivity in a certain area of the body

•  Red rash

•  Upset stomach

Note: Shingles can lead to other complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain), inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), and other neurological problems. If shingles occurs on your face, it can cause hearing problems, temporary or permanent blindness, and loss of facial movement (paralysis), which is rare. The blisters can also get infected if they are picked or not properly treated.

CHICKENPOX VS. SHINGLES

While chicken pox and shingles are caused by the same virus, chickenpox of­ten strikes in childhood and shingles in adulthood. They both can cause itching, but chickenpox causes intense itching and the blisters can affect the entire body whereas shingles typically affects only one area. Shingles is also more painful.

RISK FACTORS

Age: Most commonly occurs after age 50

Previous infection with chickenpox

Weakened immune system caused by stress or illness (HIV, diabetes)

SHINGLES IS CONTAGIOUS

A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox before. This usually occurs through direct contact with the blisters or open sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, the person will develop chickenpox (not shingles). Until the blisters scab over, those with shingles should avoid contact with:

• Anyone who has a weak immune system (HIV, diabetes)

• Anyone who has never had chickenpox

•  Newborn babies

•  Pregnant women (chickenpox infection can be dangerous for a developing baby)

DOCTOR’S ORDERS

In most cases shingles usually heals within three to five weeks. If the infection is caught early (within the first 48-72 hours), there are medications that can speed heal­ing and reduce the risk of complications. These drugs include acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir).

Painkillers can be used to manage severe pain, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen (Motrin). Topical ointment containing capsaicin (Zostrix, Zostrix-HP) can also help to reduce nerve pain.

SHERRY’S NATURAL PRESCRIPTION

Dietary Recommendations

Foods to include:

•  B-vitamins support nervous system function. Good food sources include whole grains, legumes, seeds, poultry, fish, and fortified soy and rice beverages.

•  Citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red peppers, and tomatoes contain vitamin C, which supports the immune system. Orange, yellow, and red vegetables contain beta-carotene, which also supports immune function and skin recovery.

Foods to avoid:

•  Sugar can hamper immune function. Minimize candy, sweets, and soft drinks.

Lifestyle Suggestions

•  Acupuncture may help reduce the pain of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.

•  Do not pick or squeeze the blisters as this can lead to infection. Keep the affected area clean. Apply cool, wet compresses to relieve pain.

•  Get plenty of rest. The viral infection can make you more tired and you will need more sleep to recover.

•  Moderate exercise such as walking can help relieve stress and pain and support healthy immune function.

•  Reduce stress levels. Stress can trigger an outbreak and hamper recovery. Try yoga, breathing techniques, and tai chi.

•  Soak in a tub of lukewarm water with bath salts or oatmeal to help relieve itching. Apply calamine lotion afterward or a product containing calendula, chamomile, or lavender.

SHINGLES AND STRESS

Several studies have linked high levels of stress to outbreaks of shingles.

Stress, which is our internal reaction to external events, can hamper immune function, making you more susceptible to infections. It can also delay recovery. Finding effective ways to cope with stress is essential.

Top Recommended Supplements

Capsaicin cream: Capsaicin is extracted from cayenne pepper. Studies have shown benefits for reducing pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. Dosage: 0.075 percent cream ap­plied three to four times daily. Wash hands after application and avoid getting in the eyes, as it can burn.

Proteolytic enzymes: Include papain (from papaya), bromelain (from pineapple), and trypsin and chymotrypsin (extracted from the pancreas of various animals). They aid diges­tion and are thought to benefit shingles by decreasing the body’s inflammatory response and regulating immune response to the virus. Dosage: Varies with the product; follow label instructions or consult your natural health care provider.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT

A study of 190 people with shingles compared the effects of proteolytic enzymes to the standard antiviral drug acyclovir. Participants were treated for 14 days and their pain was assessed at various intervals. Both groups had similar pain relief, but the enzyme-treated group experienced fewer side effects. Similar results were seen in another study of 90 people with shingles (Fortschritte der Medizin, 1995: 113; 43-48 and Phytomedi-cine, 1995: 2; 7-15).

Complementary Supplements

B-complex: Helps to support the nervous system, which is under attack with the herpes zoster virus. Dosage: Take 50-100 mg of B-vitamins daily.

Vitamin C: Supports immune function and aids skin recovery. Dosage: 500 mg twice daily.

Vitamin E: May be helpful for reducing pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. Dos­age: 1,200-1,600 IU daily. Vitamin E oil (30 IU per gram) can be applied to the skin to aid recovery of blisters. Several months of taking vitamin E continuously may be needed in order to see an improvement.

FINAL THOUGHTS

To manage the pain of shingles and speed recovery, consider the following:

1. Eat a healthful diet with lots of colourful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, le­gumes, seeds, poultry, fish, and fortified soy and rice beverages.

2. Minimize intake of sugar.

3. Reduce stress and get regular exercise and lots of rest.

4. To soothe itching, soak in an oatmeal bath and apply cream containing calendula, chamomile, or lavender.

5. Consider proteolytic enzymes to promote healing and capsaicin cream for treat­ment of postherpetic neuralgia.