• Shingles also called herpes zoster (Tamil– அக்கி – Akki; Hindi– भैंसिया दाद– bhaimsiya dad; Marathi-नागीण– Nagina).

•  It is an outbreak of a painful rash or fluid-filled blisters on the skin caused by a viral infection. It is most often appearing as a band of rashes in a small section of one side of the body.

• This is a contagious disease that can spread from one person to another person. 

CAUSES

• Infection- virus.
• Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can develop shingles at any age of life. After recovering from chickenpox the virus stays in the nerves for years and gets activated at any stage of life and develops Shingles.
• People with a weakened immune system. 

SYMPTOMS

• Burning or shooting pain

• Tingling or itching

• Red rash that begins a few days after the pain. Some people experience pain without developing the rash. Mostly, the rash develops fluid-filled blisters that cover around either the right or left side of your trunk or hip region. Sometimes it occurs around one eye or on one side of the face or neck. These fluid-filled blisters may break open and crust over. 
• Sensitivity to touch

Some people may experience the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache with sensitivity to light
• Tiredness

COMPLICATIONS

• Neurological problems – Depending upon which nerve is affected, shingles can cause inflammation of the brain, paralysis of the face, hearing or balance problems.
• Vision loss – Shingles around the eye if untreated, can lead to permanent eye damage.
• Post herpetic pain – In some people, shingles pain continues long after the blisters have cleared. It occurs when the damaged nerve fibers confuse and send exaggerated messages of pain from your affected area of skin to your brain.

DIAGNOSIS

• It is usually diagnosed based on the history of pain on one side of your body, along with the rash and blisters. 
• By the way of distribution of rashes on the body.
• Tissue scraping or culture of blisters – rarely.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

• Wear loose-fitting and natural fiber clothing.
• Do not scratch or touch the rash
• Wash your hands often.
• Taking a cool bath or wet compress on your blisters may help to relieve the pain and itching.
• Keep the rash covered. Try to keep the area of the rash dry and clean.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

• Homeopathic medicines are ideal for the treatment of shingles and it cures this condition safely without any side effects. Most people get shingles only once in their lifetime, but it is possible to get it two times. Shingles generally last between two and six weeks. Taking Homeopathic medicines can speed up the process of healing and help in reducing the risk of complications.

Consult your Homeopathic doctor immediately if you suspect shingles, but especially in the following situations:

• Widespread and painful rash.
• Rashes on the eye.
• You are 60 or older because age increases your risk of complications.

For consultation and appointments write into contact@beingwellhomoeopathy.com