Homeopathic Treatment for Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster (shingles) is a viral infection, caused by Varicella zoster virus. It is commonly called as shingles. According to study, 90% patients with Herpes zoster have had chicken pox a few years back. In children and young adult, the incidence rate is 2-4 per thousand. In adult age, the prevalence is 8 – 10/ thousand.

Causes : 

Varicella-zoster virus causes acute illness chicken pox. Even after chickenpox is resolved the virus is not eliminated. It can go on to cause Herpes zoster. This virus is located in nerve cells. It may remain silent for years together. When it gets activated, the symptoms appear along the course of nerves.

Skin to skin contact is the major source of spread. Transmission may also occur directly, or through contact with infected razors, towels, dishes, and other shared articles. Oral sex is the most common way to transmit genital HSV infection.

Sign and symptoms

Herpes zoster is characterized by painful eruptions (yellowish fluid filled) in a linear shape over a limited area of the body like face, eyes, genitals and other body parts. The eruptions can be reddish brown in color. The pain may be mild or unbearable and is related to a nerve in which the virus is located. The eruptions may subside in 3-6 weeks but pain may remain same.

Investigation   

• Blood test for Herpes antibodies isolation    
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction)   
• The virus can be detected by investigations of a variety of body fluids such as eye secretions, mouth secretions, blister fluid, genital secretions, urine and blood and in very sick patients, the cerebrospinal fluid.

Homeopathic Treatment for Herpes Zoster

Homeopathy can effectively treat Herpes zoster. In homeopathy, there is no local or external medication. Constitutional medicines are given after studying mind and body in detail. Constitutional medicines reduce the intensity of pain, burning and subsequently reduce infection, and shorten the duration of infection. Relapses are also prevented by homeopathy. Homeopathy is also very effective in the cases of Post-herpetic neuralgia. Homeopathy is strongly advocated in the cases of Herpes Zoster.