Shingles is a disorder is also known as herpes zoster. It’s a viral infection that leads to a rash. One in three people in the country develops shingles at some point in their lifetime.

The underlying cause of shingles is the VZV or the Varicella zoster virus. This is the same as the virus that causes chickenpox.

If you’ve had chickenpox in your childhood, shingles virus could be in your system. But it is likely that the virus would be in an inoperative state. It is also possible that the virus reactivates at a later point of time and forms a shingles rash.

Risk of developing shingles increases with your age. Around half of people who develop shingles are over 50 years of age.

While the rash could show up in any part of the body, it is likely to affect smaller areas. The first symptom of shingles is the pain.

After a couple of days of onset of pain, a rash might appear over the afflicted section. Fluid-filled blisters might appear along with the rash.

Some other symptoms that accompany with shingles include:

• Fever
• Over-sensitivity towards the light
• Tiredness

Here are the top 3 shingles treatments.

Taking a soothing bath
This is one of the easiest and top 3 shingles treatments. By cleaning the blisters every day, you can reduce the risk of spreading the infection. A cool bath or a shower would also work towards soothing the irritated skin. While this reduces pain, it helps reduce the itchiness as well.

You could devise a soothing bath for healing and treatment of shingles.

• Put 1 or 2 cups of cornstarch into lukewarm water. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
• Avoid hot water. This might worsen the shingles rash by increasing blood flow.
• After the bath, dry your body well. Wash the towel such that the virus does not spread.

Use a cool compress
A cool compress could allow one overcome the discomfort that accompanies shingles. This is among the top 3 shingles treatments and you must do this several times a day so that it heals the symptoms.

• Dip a cloth in cool water
• Squeeze out the water from the cloth
• Apply the cloth over the rash or blisters
• Repeat as often as required.

Like a bath, this too would work towards reducing pain and itchiness. But you must make sure that you do not apply an ice pack over the rash. This might work towards increasing sensitivity of the skin. It could lead to pain as well.

Dietary remedies
For treating shingles, it is very important for the immune function to operate well. Bringing about some basic changes in the diet could strengthen immunity. This also ensures that shingles does not spread to other parts of the body.

To keep the immunity strong, you must opt for some foods while making sure that you avoid some.

Here are the must-have foods for shingles treatment.

Foods rich in vitamin B
The shingles virus affects one’s nervous system. Hence it is very important to include Vitamin B rich foods in one’s diet.

Some such foods include:

• Cultured dairy products
• Nuts and seeds
• Peas
• Avocados
• Broccoli
• Bananas

Water
As you work towards keeping the body hydrated, it also flushes down viruses from the system. Water is also a natural way towards detoxification.

Every 2 hours, you must try and drink at least 240 ml of water.

Onions and garlic
Allicin is a compound that is present in both onions and raw garlic. These work very well in improving immunity.

Foods rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C ensures that the recovery process is speedy, even while it boosts the immunity.

Some foods high in vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits such as oranges
• Kale
• Brussels sprouts
• Strawberries
• Grapefruit

Green leafy vegetables
High in calcium and beta-carotene, leafy green vegetables boost the function of the immune system.

Some leafy greens that you could include in your diet are:

• Lettuces
• Mustard greens
• Collard Greens
• Cabbage

Here are some foods to avoid while suffering from shingles.

Sugar
This might affect body’s ability to counter an infection.

Fruit juices
Fruit juices may contain vitamin C. But it is better to be on the safer side and avoid them as they might contain sugar.

Caffeine
Caffeine dehydrates the body. So it is recommendable to avoid coffee while you’re suffering from shingles.

Fried foods
These foods make the digestive system more acidic, so you must avoid them.

When shingles affect a person, the virus must go through its course. You have to wait for the certain duration while the effect of virus lasts. However, natural remedies are one of the top 3 shingles treatments. These might be effective for offering relief and allow you to overcome pain and irritation. Shingles virus lasts for 2 to 6 weeks and the condition isn’t life-threatening. Ensure that you consult a doctor if the symptoms worsen.