Herpes zoster is also known as shingles and is characterized by a painful rash seen in one half of the body, usually in the skin area supplied by a particular nerve. The symptoms of herpes zoster include pain, followed by a rash which starts oozing and then crusts over a period of one or two weeks. The pain of herpes zoster is an important aspect of this medical condition and usually lasts for prolonged periods ranging from one to several months. This pain can be burning, throbbing or stabbing in nature, and may be severe enough to drastically affect the individual’s day to day life and work schedule. At the onset of herpes zoster, there may be other symptoms such as headache, fever, body ache and fatigue.
Herpes zoster needs to be treated aggressively right from its onset, in order to prevent its complications, among which post herpetic neuralgia is the most significant one. Herpes zoster is also significant as it is a known opportunistic infection normally seen in patients affected with HIV and AIDS. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a known anti-viral action are used in high doses to control this infection at the earliest. Localized treatment in the form of Ayurvedic herbal pastes can be utilised to treat the rash, oozing and crusting. Local treatment can bring relief from the burning and itchy sensation which is commonly felt in the rash area.
In addition to anti-viral medicines, Ayurvedic herbal medicines which act on the nervous system and nerve cells have to be utilised in high doses, in order to bring about a soothing action so as to help the damaged nerves regenerate and repair at the earliest possible. Medicines are also required to control the pain, which is the commonest presentation in most affected individuals. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is usually required for about eight to twelve weeks in order to completely treat herpes zoster and prevent its complications. Any individual who presents with post herpetic neuralgia has to be given separate treatment for the pain as well as for healing of the damage nerve.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be utilised to completely cure herpes zoster infection and its complications.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
