Each year, at least 1 million people in the United States break out in Shingles. Shingles is Herpes Zoster, caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus, which causes Chickenpox.
Shingles lesions are slightly different than cold sores and genital herpes blisters. Still, it belongs to the herpes family, just like chickenpox does. The chingles virus can lie dormant in anyone who has had chickenpox. And anyone who has ever had chickenpox as a childhood illness runs a chance of experiencing chingles at least twice in adulthood.
Shingles appear as a blistering rash on one side of the body's face, neck, or trunk. The rash can last 2-4 weeks, and the pain can be quite severe. Other symptoms may include a headache, fever, and an upset stomach. In rare instances, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), or death. One in five people complains of post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that lasts long after the rash clears).
Of HSV1, HSV2, and shingles, shingles may require a doctor visit or hospital stay to avoid secondary infections and manage pain, depending on the severity of the breakout.
You cannot contract shingles from another person with shingles. However, although it's not common, a person who has never had chickenpox or a chickenpox vaccine could get chickenpox from coming into contact with someone with chingles.
Shingles, also called VZV, can cause three types of urinary dysfunction: Cystitis, Neuritis, and Myelitis. A description of how each condition originates due to shingles follows.
- Cystitis: VZV directly attacks the bladder wall causing dysfunction and inflammation of the mucous membranes. Blisters can be observed during cystoscopy.
- Neuritis: VZV lurks in a posterior ganglion and affects the motor nerve of the sacral nerve, disrupts the reflex of the detrusor muscle, and weakens the bladder.
- Myelitis: VZV damages the upper sacral nerve, which causes a rigid bladder.
Holistic Alternatives for Shingles
You can ease the pain associated with Shingles with the same remedies as those for cold sores and genital herpes. I provide a list of natural remedies here containing 1-3 ingredients you likely already have at home.
Research suggests supplementing with cell salts (Schuessler's Nat mur 6x), also called tissue salts, help prevent shingles and other herpes breakouts by optimizing metabolism, which is done by excreting toxins and acids out of your body's cells, which activates the power of self-healing. You can learn more about cell salts through the resources provided below. Cell salts are sold on Amazon.com. You'll find a link in The Tarotpothecary under Other Items.
In 2006, a shingles vaccination was developed for those over 50. However, there are side effects to consider. You can contact The Center for Disease Control for more information.
Back to HSV Q & A.
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