Guide to Treating Shingles on the Face - Medication and Natural Remedies
Shingles SymptomsShingles is a painful viral infection that forms sore rash and blisters on the skin. It can also develop on the face, and is a relatively bad experience. One of the worse symptoms of shingles is that the pain can last for possibly years even when the rashes have fully disappeared. This painful experience is known as 'postherpetic neuralgia.' The good news is that timely treatment can effectively heal shingles and return your skin to normal. If you are diligent and follow up on your treatment, you should be able to recover fully from shingles.
Usually, shingles are not that severe, and the mild symptoms can be treated without the help of a doctor. However, having shingles on your face is especially dangerous. If you have rashes around eyes that are sore, you must run to your doctor at the earliest, as it can lead to permanent eye damage. An early treatment is particularly crucial for people with weak immune systems. The risk of other bacterial infections of the skin increases 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 you shingles on the face.
Depending on the seriousness of your infection, your doctor will be able to advise suitable treatment. Anti-virals are usual given, alongside anti-inflammatory medication. More powerful drugs may be necessary if the pain persists. Topical lotions and antibiotic ointments are necessary to keep the blisters dry and ensure quick healing. 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 really sore, opt for cotton balls dipped in coconut oil and aloe vera and rub it all over 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 plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for at least 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 side effective, organic oils and healthy diet tips is the best treatment remedy for shingles.
Shingles is an agonizing viral infection that gives you sore rashes and blisters on your skin. You can learn more about this skin condition, including shingles symptoms and causes of shingles on Clivir.com.