Nobody wants to have shingles. And since having it can become a very debilitating experience, a lot of people are interested in knowing the best cure for shingles. What is the truth about so called shingles treatments?
Cure for Shingles
At present, experts are divided on whether there is really a cure for it or not. The truth is that the term "cure" may be a little too strong to use. Experts say that there is no real absolute cure for shingles. There is however, no need to despair because shingles can be treated and controlled.
There are already medications that can shorten the period of the condition and those that can help alleviate the pain. Studies also show that even though there is no cure for shingles, treatment can limit a person's chances of suffering from complications like post herpetic neuralgia and blindness.
Medication for Shingles
Experts don't consider a good anti viral as a cure since it cannot properly kill the virus. Proper medication however will step up the crusting and healing of shingles blisters by a number of days. Doctors usually prescribe anti viral medication combined with other pain relieving medications.
The earlier the treatment is administered, the more effective and the sooner it can work. It is recommended that medical assistance be sought within 48-72 hours after the first signs of shingles emerge. The first signs are usually pain and some rashes.
Shingles Vaccine
Before, immunization used to be the solution for preventing chicken pox. Recently, researchers have come up with a solution not as a cure for shingles but as a way of preventing it in people over 60 who have had chicken pox but not shingles.
A new study of a vaccine, however, shows that it can lower the incidence of shingles. This vaccine works best with the elderly and with people who are 60-69 years old. Nonetheless, the vaccine did not prevent shingles 100% in all the participants of the study. Science is still far from discovering a real effective cure for shingles.
Controlling the Spread of the Virus
Although you can't really spread shingles just by mere contact, you can spread the virus to individuals who have never had chicken pox or have not been vaccinated through direct contact with your blisters. Common sense should therefore tell you that you should avoid direct contact with infants, children and pregnant women. In a lot of people who have had chicken pox, there is no need for direct contact with someone who has shingles to get shingles. A poor immune system is enough to trigger shingles.
Supporting Your Immune System
Not even healthy living can be a cure for shingles but it can promote shingles prevention and help with shingles treatment. Make sure that you cut down on smoking and drinking too much alcohol. You should also cut your stress levels since stress can affect your immune system. It would also do your body a lot of good if you exercised regularly and ate a balanced diet with foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Cure for Shingles
At present, experts are divided on whether there is really a cure for it or not. The truth is that the term "cure" may be a little too strong to use. Experts say that there is no real absolute cure for shingles. There is however, no need to despair because shingles can be treated and controlled.
There are already medications that can shorten the period of the condition and those that can help alleviate the pain. Studies also show that even though there is no cure for shingles, treatment can limit a person's chances of suffering from complications like post herpetic neuralgia and blindness.
Medication for Shingles
Experts don't consider a good anti viral as a cure since it cannot properly kill the virus. Proper medication however will step up the crusting and healing of shingles blisters by a number of days. Doctors usually prescribe anti viral medication combined with other pain relieving medications.
The earlier the treatment is administered, the more effective and the sooner it can work. It is recommended that medical assistance be sought within 48-72 hours after the first signs of shingles emerge. The first signs are usually pain and some rashes.
Shingles Vaccine
Before, immunization used to be the solution for preventing chicken pox. Recently, researchers have come up with a solution not as a cure for shingles but as a way of preventing it in people over 60 who have had chicken pox but not shingles.
A new study of a vaccine, however, shows that it can lower the incidence of shingles. This vaccine works best with the elderly and with people who are 60-69 years old. Nonetheless, the vaccine did not prevent shingles 100% in all the participants of the study. Science is still far from discovering a real effective cure for shingles.
Controlling the Spread of the Virus
Although you can't really spread shingles just by mere contact, you can spread the virus to individuals who have never had chicken pox or have not been vaccinated through direct contact with your blisters. Common sense should therefore tell you that you should avoid direct contact with infants, children and pregnant women. In a lot of people who have had chicken pox, there is no need for direct contact with someone who has shingles to get shingles. A poor immune system is enough to trigger shingles.
Supporting Your Immune System
Not even healthy living can be a cure for shingles but it can promote shingles prevention and help with shingles treatment. Make sure that you cut down on smoking and drinking too much alcohol. You should also cut your stress levels since stress can affect your immune system. It would also do your body a lot of good if you exercised regularly and ate a balanced diet with foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
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The secret in finding the best cure for shingles is to know what cause shingles. Learn more before it's too late!