Shingle is an infection that affects the nerve and the surface of the skin of an individual. This condition is caused by Varicella-Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. People who have recovered from chickenpox are at the risk of developing shingles, be it adults or children. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles on yearly basis. One out of three people has the chance of developing shingles.

How does the Varicella-Zoster virus cause shingles?
All these viruses can remain hidden in the nervous system almost indefinitely. When this herpes zoster virus gets the right conditions, it awakens from its hibernation phase and travels down the nerve fibers to cause a new infection. Shingles bring in blistering skin rash that appears in one or more distinct bands called dermatomes. It may erupt on the face as a band or break out covering the quarter of the face. However, there are various shingles pain treatments that can help ease out the symptoms of this condition.

Know the symptoms of shingles
One of the most common symptoms of shingles is a constant dull burning sensation or a sharp, stabbing, or gnawing pain that might go on and off. While trying out shingles pain treatments, you can also take a look at the symptoms to understand your condition better.

• Acute pain, numbness, tingling and itching is observed in a particular part of your skin, especially on a single side of the body.
• Initially, red blotches appear which soon might turn into itchy fluid-filled blisters that might involve eyes, ears, face, and mouth.
• The rash looks similar to that of chickenpox but it appears only on the band of skin that is supplied by the affected nerve.
• In some cases, the blisters get merged and form a solid red band that looks similar to that of a severe burn.
• Most of the times, it is difficult to determine the actual reason that causes a shingle rash. However, there are some causes that might trigger shingles like age, diseases, medication, stress or trauma, cancer treatment, and so on.

Natural shingles pain treatment options
As a matter of fact, the virus cannot be eliminated completely from the body. However, there are various natural and home-based remedies that can be used as shingles pain treatments.

Go for a healing bath
Daily cleansing helps reduce blisters, and the chances of spreading an infection are diminished. Take a shower or bath in cool water; this will help to soothe the skin and ease out the pain and itchiness. You can take a healing bath that will help to reduce the symptoms. Pour 1–2 cups of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal into the lukewarm bathwater and for best result soak for at least 15–20 mins. Avoid the use of hot water as it might aggravate the symptoms.

Try a wet and cool compress
Wet and cool compress works wonders as shingles pain treatments. It helps pacify the itchiness and rash. When moist and cool compress is applied to the affected skin, the discomfort eases out a bit. You can apply this several times a day. You can use a soaked cloth in cool water, squeeze out the water, and apply it on the blister and rash. There are some lotions like calamine that can be applied after the application of wet compress.

Baking soda and cornstarch paste
You can make a paste of baking soda or cornstarch with water and apply it on the shingles rash. It helps to reduce the itching caused by the shingle rash. This is a common remedy people try as shingles pain treatment.Take one part of water and two parts of baking soda or cornstarch and mix it well to get the desired consistency of the paste. Apply the paste to the shingles rash and rinse it after 10–15 mins. If needed, you can repeat this several times a day.

Look for natural ingredients in creams
Itching is the most disturbing symptom of shingles rash and scratching the rash can aggravate the blister and cause scarring. If your itching does not reduce even after the healing bath, wet compress, or baking soda paste, then you can apply soothing lotion and cream. Remember the soothing lotion will not be able to speed up the healing process but will help increase the comfort level. Topical ointments that have natural ingredients like capsaicin and olive leaf extract can be used as a shingles pain treatment. It eases out the pain and itching.

Wear loose-fitted clothes
Opt for soft fabric clothing that will make you feel more comfortable, as due to itching and rashes, your skin will need space to breathe. Patients with a shingles attack are often recommended to wear loose clothes in natural fabrics so that your skin heals faster. Tight clothes can further worsen your irritation problem, so avoid wearing them when you’re using a shingles pain treatment.