Shingles (herpes zoster) consists of an outbreak of a rash or blisters on one’s skin that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles are often first recognized through a few symptoms such as burning or tingling pain. Other times, symptoms can include numbness or itch, in one particular location on only one side of the body. After about a week’s time, a rash of fluid-filled blisters appears in one area on one side of the body which is similar to chickenpox. Shingles pain can be both mild and intense. Most people experience itching and for others, pain can stem from the gentlest touch.

A person can only get shingles (Herpes Zoster) if they have previously had chickenpox. Reason being is that after having chickenpox the virus lies dormant in the nerves. When it is revitalized in one particular nerve to the skin the shingles occur. For this reason, shingles are typically located in a band, called a dermatome, spanning one side of the trunk around the waistline

Shingles are typically caused by a decrease in your body's natural tolerance which may be the result of other infections, stress or fatigue.
Shingles are typically distinguished from chickenpox (or dermatitis or poison ivy) by the way the spots are distributed. With shingles, the rash usually appears in a well-defined band on one side of the body. In most cases, the rash usually begins as clusters of small bumps that eventually develop into fluid-filled blisters called vesicles. The blisters will then fill with pus (pustules), break open, and crusty scabs will be formed. After about a month and a half, the scabs fall off, the skin heals and the pain tapers off.

While most people make a healthy recovery from shingles, the time spent being affected can be quite painful. To speed up the recovery, here are some natural treatments I recommend.

First on the list is capsaicin, which works by stimulating and then exhausting the nerve-related transmitter that sends pain messages to your brain called Substance P. Application of capsaicin for two to three days should result in the pain subsiding. Because the cream itself is irritating to the skin, be sure to to start with a tiny amount. If a high-strength concentration causes burning, switch to a lower strength.

Next up is Vitamin B12. In his book Nutritional Influences on Illness, Dr. Melvyne Werbach reports that in a research study, 21 patients suffering with herpes zoster showed a dramatic improvement in symptoms after Vitamin B 12 therapy. By the second or third day of treatment, using 1 mg injection of B12 per day, their pain was relieved and blisters rapidly disappeared.

Studies have shown vitamin B12 to shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks and reduce pain when taken in sublingual.

Third on the list is Lysine and Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Taking 1,000 mg a day of Lysine and 50 mgs twice a day of Alpha-Lipoic Acid can help eliminate the recurrence of shingles.

Last but definitely not least is Vitamin C. The moment you are diagnosed, make it your business to go to your local health supplement store and pick up a bottle. Vitamin C’s potency at halting herpes viruses has been studied for over 50 years. One early study involved 321 patients suffering with herpes zoster that were all completely cured after three days of intravenous vitamin C. In fact, seven patients reported complete pain relief within two hours of the first treatment. Treating shingles with vitamin C intravenously is much more effective than taking orally. However, if you don't have a doctor willing to perform the treatment, I recommend taking vitamin C in gram doses until relief is obtained.