SHINGLES

WHAT IS SHINGLES?

Shingles is an infection which is caused by varicella-zoster virus. It is also known as herpes zoster virus. There occur skin rashes on body which are very painful. The same virus causes chickenpox also. Shingles can occur anywhere on body but it most commonly appears on one side of torso. It appears in a single stripe of blisters. People who had chickenpox in the past can develop shingles. Even after the treatment of chickenpox, the virus remains inside the body remaining dormant in the nervous system. Then it gets reactivated as shingles.

Shingles is not fatal but it is very painful. Even after the disappearance of the blisters, the pain of shingles remains for a long time. Treatment of shingles involves certain medications and maintaining cleanliness. However, vaccines are also available, they help in lowering the risk of contracting shingles.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SHINGLES?

The causal organism is varicella-zoster virus. It also causes chickenpox. After the recovery of chickenpox, the virus enters the nervous system and remains inactive there. When this virus gets activated, this leads to occurrence of shingles. The virus travels along the nerve pathways and produces blisters at nerve endings. The reason of the activation of shingles is however, unknown.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF SHINGLES?

The factors which increase the risk of developing shingles are:

• People above the age of 50 years are more prone to shingles
• Weakened immune system
• Prolonged use of steroids
• Stress
• Physical or emotional trauma
• Chemotherapy
• Patients undergoing radiation therapy
• Suffering from cancer, HIV

SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES

Shingles are usually present on one side of the body. Following are the common signs and symptoms of the disease:

• Reddish skin rashes
• Sever pain in rashes
• Pain and burning sensation
• Fever
• Chills
• Presence of fluid-filled blisters
• Intense itching
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Headache
• Body fatigue
• Indigestion
• Enlargement of lymph nodes

COMPLICATIONS OF SHINGLES

The complications which are associated with shingles are:

• Continuation of pain even after the clearance of blisters
• Eye infections
• Loss of vision
• Bacterial skin infections
• Facial paralysis
• Hearing problems
• Inflammation of brain

DIAGNOSIS OF SHINGLES

The doctor will take a complete medical history of the patient. He will ask about the signs and symptoms of the disease to the patient. He will do a physical examination of the patient. He will also make the patient do swab test from the scrapings of blisters.

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTER’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SHINGLES

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh ayurved center which are used for the treatment of shingles:

1) Detox Premium Powder

It is purely a herbal formulation that helps to remove toxins due to its antioxidant properties. It comprises of Moti Pishti, Parwal Pishti, Shukta Pishti, Giloy Satav, Kamdudha Ras, Jahar Mohra, Akik Pishti, Gandhak Rasayan, Tal Sindoor, Shankh Bhasma, Sutshekhar Ras, Sudhyog Tab, Shwet Parpati, Yavakshaar. It has an antibacterial action and provides a cooling and calming effect to the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. This powder helps to detoxify the body physically and mentally.
Dosage: Take one sachet twice a day with normal plain water.

2)  Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

The tablets are very beneficial in curing skin diseases as it contains the Pitta pacifying ingredients such as Shuddh guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia), Gajapippali (Piper chaba), Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), etc. The tablet is Tridoshahara, thus is very effective in maintaining the hormonal level in the body.

Recommended Dosage –Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.

3) Skin Care tablet

Skin care tablet is herbo mineral and purely ayurvedic formulation. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimba churna, Panchatikta guggulu, Patol patra, Ajmoda, Khadir chhal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Manjistha, Chopchini, Gandhak, etc. Skin care tablet is a blood purifying. It cools and detoxifies the blood, dissolves obstructions in the blood flow that further increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimises the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems. These tablet also act as a skin moistuirizer, Improves blood circulation, Remove blemishes, Reduce itching and burning sensation of skin, Prevent acne and pimples, Relieves leucoderma.

Recommended Dosage –Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.

4)  Aloe Vera Gulab Gel

Aloe Vera Gel is formed with the pure extract of herb Aloe Vera and the mixture of rose petals. Thus this wonderful composition provides a cooling effect on the skin that relieves from burning sensation, itchiness, etc. The gel helps in maintaining healthy skin and repairing skin damage.

Recommended Dosage – Gently apply over the affected area of the skin.

5)  Trikatu Tablet

Trikatu tablets are mixture of three herbs which are Saunth (Zingiber officinale), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum). These tablets improve digestion, boost your metabolism, helps in eliminating fat tissues and kapha dosha, support respiratory functions, and remove impurities and ama from the body.
Recommended Dosage: Take one tablet twice daily with normal water.

6)  Blood Purifier Syrup

It is ayurvedic syrup that consists of various natural ingredients such as Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. As the syrup purifies the blood by removing excess toxins it is very beneficial in maintaining proper circulation and improves the skin naturally.

Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.