What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as Herpes zoster, is an outbreak of a rash or blisters on the skin that typically occurs on only one part of the body. Shingles is basically caused by a virus called varicella-zoster, the same virus that is responsible for chickenpox.

The early signs of shingles often include:

Burning or tingling sensation or pain
Numbness or itch in one location on only one side of the body
Rash of fluid-filled blisters appears after several days or a week
The fluid-filled blisters that accompanies shingles is similar to that of chickenpox. Shingles mostly appear as a band called a dermatome, which covers one side of the trunk around the waistline. Shingles pain or itching can be minor or extreme.

READ ALSO: 8 Effective Home Remedies for Shingles

Anyone who has had chickenpox either as a baby or adult is at risk for shingles. Most people who had recovered from chickenpox may equally develop shingles. Children can equally get shingles and the chances of a person developing it increases with age.

In this article we look at the possibility of using essential oils to treat shingles, the risk factors involved, and what experts recommends.

Symptoms of Shingles
Shingles causes rashes to appear on one side of the body, some people may notice rashes on their trunk. The shingles virus can cause severe pain to develop as a result of damage to the nerve cells where herpes zoster lies dormant. The pain can come before the rash in some cases. The pain can even linger long after the rash has disappeared.

What About the Shingles Vaccine?
Most babies are administered a vaccine against chickenpox. Most people feel they are immune to shingles since they developed chicken pox during childhood. Since shingles is caused by the same strain of the virus as chickenpox, it means it can remain dormant in your nerve cells until you grow older before it manifests.

READ ALSO: Shingles: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Prevention, and Treatment

According to CDC, almost one-third of Americans will develop shingles at some point in their lives. Most doctors recommend shingles vaccine to take care of the outbreak, while some osteopaths recommend the use of essential oils to treat shingles. But how effective is the use of essential oils for getting rid of shingles?

How effective is Essential oils for Shingles Treatment?
Some reports asserts that some kinds of essential oils may contain antiviral effect which when applied topically to shingles may help treat them. There is no available data to support this, and some experts advise that essential oils should not be used as a primary treatment for shingles.

Medical expert, Dr. Van Groningen said there are reports in the medical literature that back the use of peppermint essential oil and geranium essential oil to treat pain related with shingles.

There has been report of a shingles patient, who had not had any relief with traditional medications, but showed immediate improvement when peppermint oil was used. Peppermint oil contains capsaicin, a naturally occurring component of chili peppers, which greatly helps to relieve shingles symptoms.

Essential oils like peppermint oil or geranium oil may be effective for easing shingles symptoms, but they should only be used as complements to drugs prescribed by your doctor. There are many brands of over-the-counter capsaicin lotions, patches, and ointments available in drugstore and online.

According to a holistic health expert, Birgitta Lauren, based in California, to use essential oils to treat shingles, mix 10 drops each of thyme, geranium, and lemon essential oils into about a tablespoon of coconut oil. Then apply the mixture all over parts of your body where the shingles blisters are found. When the oil comes in contact with the shingles sores or blisters, it can hurt briefly, but can momentarily ease pain. Also, coconut oil contains moisturizing properties that can help prevent cracking and itchiness of affected part.

What are the Risks of Using Essential oils to Treat Shingles?
Using essential oils to treat shingles may cause different reaction for different people. Experts warn that not all essential oils are safe for shingles treatment. Essential oils may cause a burning sensation when applied on shingles sores. So, consult your doctor first before using essential oils to treat shingles.

Risk factors for Shingles
The aging process may expose a person to developing shingles, particularly those who already have the herpes zoster virus in their nerve cells. The immune system decreases with age, thereby increasing the tendency for the virus to increase, spread, and cause an outbreak. Factors that can trigger an outbreak includes cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, certain medication, HIV/AIDS, and even stress.

Preventing Shingles
Dr. Van Groningen says there is an FDA-approved vaccine that can help prevent shingles. These vaccines are now available for all people over 50 years old. Since prevention is better than cure, the best way to avoid shingles is never to get them in the first place. It is advisable to get take the shingles vaccine, consult your doctor first.

Bottom line
Essential oils can be applied topically to ease symptoms of shingles, but should not be completely used alone to treat the outbreak. Shingles can best be prevented by getting the proper vaccination. Antiviral medications can be prescribed by your doctor to treat shingles for people who already have them.

Source: https://healthdiary365.com/can-essential-oils-be-used-to-treat-shingles/

thanks for advices and detailed info!