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From BottomLine's Daily Health News:

Natural Rx for Shingles

Approximately one million -- mostly older -- Americans get shingles (herpes zoster) each year as the varicella-zoster virus reactivates from a childhood chickenpox (variella) infection. The virus typically travels along one nerve to one part of the body to the skin's surface where it eventually erupts into another rash with blisters. Before that happens, though, other symptoms may appear, including tingling, itching and sometimes pain or a burning sensation that can be so intense it has been confused with that of kidney stones, appendicitis or even a heart attack, depending on the location of the affected nerve. Once the rash does appear, typically on one side of the torso or face, it brings fresh misery with more pain and blisters. Patients are warned not to scratch because that might increase the potential for a secondary bacterial infection.

In most people, shingles resolves itself by five or six very uncomfortable weeks... although, for a few patients, a painful and debilitating complication called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can linger for many more months and even years. In fact, the recent development of a vaccine for shingles (see Daily Health News, October 5, 2006) was partly to shield people from the possibility of PHN. While the vaccination is now a reality and is available to people ages 60 and over, I wondered about natural treatments that might both ease the discomfort of shingles and possibly reduce the amount of time it normally takes to run its course, as well as develop PHN. To find out, I called naturopathic physician Chris Meletis, ND, executive director of education for the Institute for Healthy Aging. Dr. Meletis often treats patients with shingles.

NATURAL RX FOR SHINGLES

Dr. Meletis tells me that his first recommendation for shingles patients is to take vitamin B-12. The reason, most importantly, is that B-12 has been shown to help prevent PHN. He says that it also helps bolster energy levels and eases the discomfort of the outbreak. Dr. Meletis often prescribes 1 mg of B-12 in the form of methylcobalamin twice a day, preferably under the tongue (sublingually). Continue this for the duration of the outbreak and for two to three months after the resolution of the rash and other symptoms. Another useful vitamin for combating shingles is vitamin C. A potent antioxidant, vitamin C bolsters the immune system and helps patients cope with the stress of the disease. Some people find that vitamin C helps dry blisters as well and reduces pain to some degree and it may also hinder development of PHN. The dosage for many of Dr. Meletis' patients is 1,000 mg two to three times a day with meals. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, in which case patients are directed to ease up slightly on dosage until they find the maximum level that is tolerated. If nerve pain does remain after the lesions have resolved, lipoic acid at a dose of 300 mg two to three times a day can be helpful.

One amino acid plays a particularly interesting role in shingles. L-lysine has been shown to be helpful in combating viruses, including another type of herpes virus called herpes simplex-1 that typically causes so-called fever blisters on the lips and herpes-simplex 2, which typically causes outbreaks of lesions on the genitalia. Use of L-lysine, however, must be prescribed and monitored carefully by a trained professional. L-lysine is contraindicated in pregnant women and those with elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

TOPICAL RELIEF


Of course it is important to have topical balms and creams to soothe the itching and pain of the rash. There are several available that Dr. Meletis has found to be helpful. Lysine cream is one (but do not put on open sores) and lemon balm is another. After the sores heal, a variety of capsaicin-containing creams on the market may provide pain relief. Capsaicin, the substance that adds heat to hot peppers, is said to inhibit nerve cells from sending pain messages to the brain. Capsaicin creams come in a variety of strengths. Whichever one you select, start small by using just a dab and apply four times a day. It will sting when you first put it on, but don't let that fool you. Stick with it since it will help. After applying, wash hands with soap and water to avoid irritation on other parts of your skin.

Finally, Dr. Meletis reminds all shingles patients that your body needs time to restore itself. You may not feel inclined to do much else as you battle shingles, so use the time to take it easy and get lots of rest.

Reprinted with the permission of:
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