The condition shingles is caused by the Varicella zoster virus which is the same virus which causes chicken pox. When chicken pox initially attacks, the virus enters the nervous system and lies dormant in the sensory nerves. The virus can lay dormant for years without causing problems but when the immune system is low it can reactivate causing shingles. Shingles is common in the elderly and those with a compromised immune system.

The symptoms of shingles is an itching, painful, tingling sensation before a painful skin rash comprising of red fluid filled blister which later crust over. The rash typically affects the trunk of the body and sometimes the face; it only appears on one side of the body. After the symptoms have disappeared a nerve pain can still exist, this pain is called postherpetic neuralgia and can last for months or even a year after the rash has gone. The fluid filled blisters of shingles is extremely contagious, it is best not to have contact with children especially if they have not had chicken pox and non-immune pregnant women.

If you are suffering from shingles it is wise to keep to a diet that is low in the amino acid arginine and high in lysine, this may help the virus from replicating. Avoid nuts, chocolate and peanuts. Increase non fat yogurt and dairy products in your d

iet as these are a good way of boosting lysine intake. Try to avoid stress and stressful situation, stress has been linked to outbreaks of shingles.

Good supplements to take are vitamin C, vitamin E, olive leaf extract, Echinacea, cat's claw and to apply to the rash you can use aloe Vera gel and tea tree oil. Peppermint oil can be used as a topical application if you are suffering from postherpetic neuralgia pain.

Studies have shown that both acupuncture and hypnosis can help with shingles and postherpetic neuralgia pain.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Shingles.

Aloe Vera gel (topical - for rash)

Cat's claw

Echinacea

Golden seal

Lysine

Olive leaf extract

Peppermint oil (topical - for postherpetic neuralgia)

Reishi

Tea tree oil (topical - for rash)

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

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