What is Shingles?

Shingles can be described as an infection that occurs on the skin’s surface because of a virus named the Varicella-zoster-virus. This is the same virus that is responsible for chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox during childhood, it is not necessary that you wouldn’t be attacked by shingles. Shingles is a painful and blistering skin condition that affects one in five individuals. It can show up at any time.

However, the chances of shingles showing up become higher as well as alarming during pregnancy. Although shingles during pregnancy is rare, the outlook for most women developing shingles when expecting is good.

Top Home Remedies to Treat Shingles in Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and exposed to shingles, here are some easy home-remedies that can help you relieve the symptoms and get rid of the problem as well. All of these remedies are time tested and show proven results to alleviate pain and soothe the affected skin.

1. Salt Water Home Remedy

Salt has the potential to kill all kinds of virus. Therefore, soak your body in a bathtub filled with salt water to get rid of shingles during pregnancy.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is a one stop solution when it comes to home remedies for different ailments. It contains medicinal properties like antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory while providing a soothing effect to painful rash. Topical application of ACV on affected areas can reduce inflammation, swelling, and redness.

3. Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal bath helps to soothe the skin, particularly when the skin feels irritated or itchy. If you experience shingles while pregnant, an oatmeal bath can reduce inflammation as well. Grind some oatmeal and tie it in a washcloth. Now dip this washcloth in bathtub filled with hot water and soak your body in it to get relief from shingles.

4. Ravensara Essential Oil

This is a rare essential oil that is also referred as the “Cure All” oil for its amazing medicinal properties and health benefits. Apply it over the affected areas using a cotton ball to get relief from irritation and inflammation.

5. Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil is yet another amazing remedy for shingles while pregnant. It contains anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties that work to reduce inflammation internally as well as externally. Apply it over the affected areas using a cotton ball. Let it work overnight to get quick results.

6. Aspirin and Petroleum Jelly

Crush two aspirin tablets and add a tablespoon of petroleum jelly. Apply this mixture over the affected areas to soothe rashes and blisters. Rinse off with cold water after about 20 minutes to speed up healing.

7. Garlic and Olive Oil Remedy

Prepare a paste with ten garlic cloves and five drops of water. Add some olive oil to it and mix thoroughly. Apply the prepared cream over affected areas and allow it to work for about half an hour. Wash off with cold water.

8. Bayberry Ointment Remedy

Bayberry is a shrub that grows in the eastern US and Texas. This herb contains astringent abilities that help to treat skin disorders. If you are pregnant and exposed to shingles, use a cotton ball to apply bayberry extract on the affected areas to relieve inflammation and redness. Wash it off after half an hour with cold water.

9. Tea Tree Oil for Shingles

Tea tree oil contains excellent antiviral properties. It is also used as a crucial ingredient in antiviral and antibacterial drugs. Mix a teaspoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of tea tree oil and use the mixture topically over the affected areas to get relief from symptoms of shingles during pregnancy quickly and effectively.

10. Boiled Turmeric Remedy

Turmeric also contains amazing medicinal and curative properties to cure shingles. Add two tablespoons of turmeric powder to a cup of water and boil it for 15-20 minutes. Let cool and then apply to affected areas using a cotton ball. Let it dry naturally and then wash off with cold water.

11. Manuka Honey remedy

Manuka honey is a production of New Zealand. It contains amazing virus killing abilities. Manuka honey contains five times higher nutritional value than normal honey. It contains powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties that make it a perfect remedy if you experience shingles while pregnant.

Like you already know, pregnancy calls for extra care and it is not advisable to consume any sort of medication. Try these home remedies if you are down with shingles during pregnancy, they will surely work wonders!