by Dr. Iqbal Nazir

Shingles or herpes zoster occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus, varicella-zoster, is reactivated in nerve tissues. The rash can be accompanied by itching, burning and/or deep pain. Early signs of shingles include tingling and localized pain. The rash quickly develops fluid filled blisters similar to chicken pox, most common on the torso and face.

Shingles itself is not contagious, however varicella-zoster virus will remain in the nerve tissue for the rest of one’s life in an inactive state. If the person’s immune system can’t contain the virus, the virus could then activate again years later. This could cause the person to develop shingles.

According to the manufacturer of the shingles vaccine, the following are its side effects:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (the burning that continues long after the shingles rash clears)

• Nerve pain

• Vision loss

• Retinitis (nerve damage to the retina)

• Hearing loss

• Vertigo and inner ear nerve damage

• Cardiovascular injuries

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Neurological infections

• Meningitis

• Encephalitis

• Disseminated varicella (when the shingles virus spreads to other organs)

• Secondary bacterial infections from the shingles rash

• Death

Homeopathic Treatment

In contrast to the conventional approach of suppressive antiviral medications, homeopathy offers a quicker and more effective approach to treating shingles. A weakened immune system is more prone to herpes infections such as shingles as well as other illnesses. Homeopathic medicines act from within and positively influence the immune system and enhance the body’s own healing capacity. When the body is empowered with the energetic boost of the homeopathic medicine, the pain, discomfort, progress and spread of shingles are effectively neutralized. Additionally, with the homeopathic approach, the recurrence of the illness is also diminished.

One homeopathic remedy worth mentioning, as it tends to be helpful in a large number of shingles cases, is rhus toxicodendron (made from poison ivy). This remedy clearly demonstrates the main homeopathic principle of “like cures like”. If you are sensitive to poison ivy and have ever brushed against it, you are familiar with the painful blistering rash it can cause. This rash remarkably resembles the shingles rash. If poison ivy can cause this type of rash, it can also cure the same when made into homeopathic dilution. Homeopathy can help at every stage of shingles as well as its complications.

For greater pain relief, quicker recovery from shingles and a healthy boost to your immune system, consult Dr. Nazir, specialist homeopath. Homeopathic remedies are also excellent for curing many skin conditions and symptoms, including psoriasis, eczema and rosacea.

Dr. Nazir’s office is located in Pembroke Pines. For a free consultation, call 954-226-3652. 

You should not use this information as a means of diagnosing a health problem or disease, or as a means of determining treatment, or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your licensed health care provider for any individual medical advice.