Shingles symptoms - what to do in each of the three stages

Shingles symptoms - what to do in each of the three stages

Symptoms of shingles herpes zoster outbreaks originate from the two primary tissues for herpes viruses - nerve tissue and skin tissue. When a latent virus has the opportunity to flourish, even decades after the initial outbreak of chickenpox, the primary shingles symptoms in the nerve endings in the skin, then the skin itself. However, more useful for reducing an epidemic and reduce the effects of the following strategies are important to get through an episode of shingles.

Phase 1: the prodromal stage

Beginners are often surprised with the diagnosis of herpes zoster. They may begin to feel like they had the flu - fever, chills, headache and nausea. What are the shingles symptoms that appear before the rash breaks out. Medical staff call this pre-eruption of the prodromal stage.

Although these viruses are out of reach of your immune system when they are latent and also when they travel through nerve fibers, the prodromal stage is still a good time to strengthen your immunity to the epidemic that is coming. Herbs that have antiviral and immune-boosting activity would be more useful at this time (eg, creosote bush). Antiviral drugs suppress the immune system, which makes these drugs seem like a bad idea right if you want to get your body ready for the battle.

A rash may not appear for 2 to 5 days after the prodromal stage begins. Since the onset of rash approaches, several additional symptoms. These include numbness, tingling or burning, stinging or itching.

Phase 2: The eruptive stage

It was then that the light bulbs and pains that normally characterize a shingles outbreak occurs. Blisters filled with clear fluid may continue to appear for up to 5 days. They closely resemble chickenpox. Although blisters typically occur on one side of the torso, they surround the body of time. They may also appear in other places, including the buttocks, arms, legs and face.

Shingles blisters can be extremely painful or just slightly itching or irritation. Many patients feel the need to wear loose clothing to keep anything from touching the skin. The eruptive stage may continue for two weeks, during which the vesicles are filled with pus and then begin to scab over. By the time scabs begin to form, the epidemic has more virus particles. Ideally, the rash disappears within 3-5 weeks.

It is best to apply creams or lotions that contain antiviral herbs from an outbreak begins, or even just before the first light bulb appears. Creosote bush, tree soapbark and Melissa are generally available for these topical applications. Prescription creams also work at this stage. You may have to experiment to find what type of product will help you the most. My choice is for natural products.

Long-term pain: postherpetic (PHN)

Some people experience continued severe pain (ie PHN) that can last for months or even years. PHN can be extremely painful and difficult to manage. Antiviral drugs are ineffective for PHN because the virus is already past when it sets in. symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation offers the most effective help for PHN.

Anti-inflammatory creams and oils that do not contain ingredients warming (such as capsaicin) will help keep down the inflammation causing the pain. General products that offer help for inflammatory skin disorders may be helpful. A short list of these would include emu oil, vitamin E, creosote bush lotion, cream and lemon balm oil.

What can you do?

Diet, nutrition, vitamins, amino acids, herbs, and even tai chi have effects on shingles. Sometimes the effects are positive and sometimes they are not.