OVERVIEW
Shingles is an infection which is caused by varicella zoster virus. Varicella zoster virus is also responsible for chickenpox infection. Shingles is also known as herpes zoster. In this, skin rashes occur which is characterized by shooting pain. The virus affects a single sensory nerve ganglion and the nerve which supplies the skin surface. It can present on any part of the body. The skin rash usually affects one side of the body in a single stripe of blisters either present on the left or right side of the body. The rashes mostly disappear within 3 to 5 weeks.
Shingles is not life-threatening but it is very painful. Even after the clearance of blisters, the pain of shingles persists. Vaccines of shingles help in lowering the risk of contracting shingles. They reduce the risk of developing complications. There are medications also which help in the management of shingles.
CAUSES OF SHINGLES
Shingles is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster virus. This virus also causes chickenpox. A person who has developed chickenpox can also develop shingles. A person after recovery from chickenpox enters the nervous system and remains dormant for years. Sometimes, it reactivates and travels along the nerve pathways, producing shingles.
RISK FACTORS OF SHINGLES
Some of the factors can make a person at more risk of developing shingles:
- People above the age of 50 years develop shingles more
- Weakened immune system
- Long term use of steroids
- Multiple sexual partners
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Suffering from AIDS or cancer
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES
The symptoms of shingles usually occur on one side of the body. The common signs and symptoms of shingles are:
- Appearance of red skin rash
- Shooting pain in the concerned area
- Burning sensation
- Severe itching
- Presence of fluid-filled blisters
- Oozing of blisters
- Crust formation
- Fever
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Digestion problem
COMPLICATIONS OF SHINGLES
Following are the complications which are associated with shingles are:
- Eye infection
- Blurry vision
- Persistence of pain long after the disappearance of blisters
- Inflammation of brain
- Hearing problem
- Facial paralysis
- Bacterial skin infection
DIAGNOSIS OF SHINGLES
The doctor will do a proper physical examination of the patient. The blisters of shingles appear in the form of a single band and are present on one side of the body. The doctor will ask about the signs and symptoms of the disease. He will take his past history also. Scraping or a swab of the fluid of blisters may also be sent to the laboratory for diagnosis.
CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTER’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SHINGLES
Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayruveda Center which are used for the treatment of herpes:
1) Detox Premium Powder
It is purely a herbal formulation that helps to remove toxins due to its antioxidant properties. It comprises of Moti Pishti, Parwal Pishti, Shukta Pishti, Giloy Satav, Kamdudha Ras, Jahar Mohra, Akik Pishti, Gandhak Rasayan, Tal Sindoor, Shankh Bhasma, Sutshekhar Ras, Sudhyog Tab, Shwet Parpati, Yavakshaar. It has an antibacterial action and provides a cooling and calming effect to the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. This powder helps to detoxify the body physically and mentally.
Dosage: Take one sachet twice a day with normal plain water.
2) Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu
The tablets are very beneficial in curing skin diseases as it contains the Pitta pacifying ingredients such as Shuddh guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia), Gajapippali (Piper chaba), Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), etc. The tablet is Tridoshahara, thus is very effective in maintaining the hormonal level in the body.
Recommended Dosage –Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.
3) Skin Care tablet
Skin care tablet is herbo mineral and purely ayurvedic formulation. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimba churna, Panchatikta guggulu, Patol patra, Ajmoda, Khadir chhal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Manjistha, Chopchini, Gandhak, etc. Skin care tablet is a blood purifying. It cools and detoxifies the blood, dissolves obstructions in the blood flow that further increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimises the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems. These tablet also act as a skin moistuirizer, Improves blood circulation, Remove blemishes, Reduce itching and burning sensation of skin, Prevent acne and pimples, Relieves leucoderma.
Recommended Dosage –Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.
4) Aloe Vera Gulab Gel
Aloe Vera Gel is formed with the pure extract of herb Aloe Vera and the mixture of rose petals. Thus this wonderful composition provides a cooling effect on the skin that relieves from burning sensation, itchiness, etc. The gel helps in maintaining healthy skin and repairing skin damage.
Recommended Dosage – Gently apply over the affected area of the skin.
5) Trikatu Tablet
Trikatu tablets are mixture of three herbs which are Saunth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum). These tablets improve digestion, boost your metabolism, helps in eliminating fat tissues and kapha dosha, support respiratory functions, and remove impurities and ama from the body.
Recommended Dosage: Take one tablet twice daily with normal water.
6) Blood Purifier Syrup
It is ayurvedic syrup that consists of various natural ingredients such as Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. As the syrup purifies the blood by removing excess toxins it is very beneficial in maintaining proper circulation and improves the skin naturally.
Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.