Postherpetic neuralgia is a painful condition that arises after the disappearance of the rashes of shingles. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus. It appears only in 20 % of cases. It affects skin and nerve fibers. It develops due to damage to the nerve fibers in the affected areas. Its symptoms include excruciating and burning pain in the areas where rashes of the shingles have developed. It can be treated with medications. Lifestyle modification, regular exercises, diet management can help in the improvement of the condition. Some home remedies are discussed below that can also help in postherpetic neuralgia.
Home Remedies For Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia is a painful condition that appears after an episode of shingles or herpes zoster. It is a common complication of herpes zoster. It develops when the rash of shingles dry off and pain remains in the affected area. This pain is the pain of nerve fibers that are damaged due to herpes infection.(2)
A few home remedies for postherpetic neuralgia are-
Oatmeal Bath- oatmeal bath is one of the home remedies to soothe the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia. Oatmeal can be applied in the water in a bag or remedies the powder form and used for bathing.(1)
Cayenne Pepper- it possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It leads to the stimulation of substance P in the body that acts as a mediator to transmit pain in the central nervous system. When it is applied topically on the affected areas, it may relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy, migraine headache, shingles, backaches, arthritis, bruises, and menstrual cramps.(1)
Aloe Vera– aloe vera is known to alleviate gastrointestinal ailments. It also possesses antiviral and anti-bacterial properties. It also contains various nutrients such as calcium, zinc, manganese, and iron that promote cell growth. According to research studies, it can reduce the soreness of muscles in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and postherpetic neuralgia.(1)
Resveratrol- it is an antioxidant found in blueberries, blackberries, wine, and red grapes. It has beneficial effects on the body against cancer, inflammation and it also protects the brain. It reduces the pain significantly at the cellular level.(1)
Ginger – it has anti-inflammatory properties that improve blood flow and digestion. It reduces body pains. Thus, it is helpful in reducing pain in postherpetic neuralgia.(1)
Vitamin E- it has antioxidant properties. It can also reduce inflammatory changes in the body. It is also considered best for the health of the skin. Sunflower seeds are the best source of Vitamin E.(1)
Willow Bark- the bark of this herb has chemical named salicin which resembles with an ingredient of aspirin. It possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Thus, it can be useful to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. If you are allergic to aspirin, then it is recommended to avoid it.(1)
Turmeric– turmeric contains a substance named curcumin that possesses anti-inflammatory properties.it also possess oxidant properties that can decrease pain. It is advised to mix one-fourth of a teaspoon of turmeric powder with water to be applied to the affected areas and cleared with warm water after 15 minutes.(1)
Epsom Salt– Epsom salt help in the reduction of spasms, inflammation, and relaxation of stress on the affected area. It contains magnesium and sulfates. Bathing in water containing Epsom salt can help in postherpetic neuralgia.(1)
Acupuncture– it is an ancient Chinese medical practice that balances the natural energy channels of the body. It rectifies the flow of energy in the body. In this process, needles are inserted in the boy for a few minutes in the resting position.(1)
Conclusion
Postherpetic neuralgia is a medical condition that develops after an outbreak of shingles. It can be treated with home remedies such as oatmeal bath, turmeric, Epsom salt, willow bark, and others discussed above.
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