Shingles: Understanding, Prevention and Holistic Management

I touched on shingles last week and while I am still dealing with it, I’d like to talk about it. I could kick myself because I distinctly remember the CV’s pharmacist telling me to get one, and of course the moment I stepped out, the suggestion flew out as if it was never there. I had every intention of getting it….. while at the store. This is my life.

So I have been so stressed out by life this past year, and the week before last I felt like a little cold coming on. I was dragging and just felt off. A couple of days later I had this itch on my left shoulder that would not go away. At first I thought it was a reaction from detergent or something bit me. I could’nt see anything on there but I continued to itch. Then the pain started. It was all on my rib cage and it hurt to have my arm hanging on the side. This was all on the left side of my body. Eventually it would manifest into red bumps all over from the shoulder blade, up under my armpit and to my left breast. Let me just say that the pain is not for the faint of heart. It hurt so bad, I told my sister that it was like a hot knife inside you being twisted. Let me let ya’ll marinate on that for a bit!

I immediately made an appointment at the closest clinic, went in and came out with shingles diagnosis, and a couple of prescriptions. One topical and the other two oral. I went straight to CV’s to pick up the prescriptions and went home. A random thought I had while going into the clinic was what if it is misdiagnosed because of my skin color. What if the Doctor had not seen what it looks like on black skin? Ouch!

Funny story is, as I am talking to my sister on the phone after the clinic, I’m wondering why she is not paying attention, when I am literally in the worst pain, only to find out she was already online making an appointment to get her vaccine. Ha!

I literally have never thought of shingles at all! Now here I am Googling all manner of things. As always, I will say this is not medical advice. I am no Doctor, but I can tell you on the things I did that made it more bearable. Please get the shingles vaccine and/or talk to your Doctor before trying anything you might find on Google, my blog included.

1. Understanding Shingles: Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, typically presents as a painful rash that develops on one side of the body, often in a band or stripe pattern. The rash is accompanied by symptoms such as burning, tingling, or numbness, and may be preceded by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue. I feel like a text book example right now. They occur when the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in the body after a previous episode of chickenpox, reactivates later in life due to weakened immunity or other factors.

• Importance of Vaccination: Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent shingles and reduce the risk of complications. The shingles vaccine, also known as the herpes zoster vaccine, is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, including those who have previously had shingles. The vaccine helps boost immunity against the varicella-zoster virus, reducing the likelihood of shingles recurrence and minimizing the severity of symptoms if an outbreak does occur.

• Holistic Strategies for Management: While vaccination is crucial for shingles prevention, holistic approaches can complement medical treatment and help minimize pain, discomfort, and the duration of symptoms. Here are some holistic strategies to consider:

• Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and trigger shingles outbreaks. Incorporate stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or tai chi into your daily routine to promote relaxation and resilience.
  • Nutrition and Supplements: A balanced diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidants can support overall health and help reduce the risk and severity of shingles outbreaks. Consider adding supplements such as L-lysine, which may help inhibit the replication of the varicella-zoster virus.
  • Topical Treatments: Natural remedies such as calamine lotion, colloidal oatmeal baths, or cool compresses can help soothe the rash and alleviate itching and discomfort. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and peppermint may also provide relief when diluted and applied topically.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate shingles-related pain and discomfort. Additionally, topical creams or patches containing lidocaine or capsaicin may provide localized relief from nerve pain.

Are there reported cases of people below the age of 50, I wanted to know.

Yes! While shingles is more commonly associated with older adults, it can occur in individuals under the age of 50 as well. Although the risk of developing shingles increases with age, particularly after the age of 50, younger adults and even children can still be affected by the virus.

Several factors can contribute to the development of shingles in younger individuals, including:

1. Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or autoimmune disorders are at increased risk of developing shingles at a younger age.
2. Stress and Trauma: High levels of stress or trauma can weaken the immune system and trigger the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, leading to shingles outbreaks in younger individuals.
3. Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or treatments, such as organ transplantation or long-term steroid use, can increase the risk of shingles in younger adults by compromising the immune system.
4. Varicella-Zoster Virus Exposure: Individuals who have not been previously exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, either through chickenpox or vaccination, are susceptible to developing shingles later in life, including before the age of 50.

Moral of the story, please get vaccinated.