Herpes are a painful blister eruption on the skin, caused by the same herpes virus. After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant till the immune system is normally functioning immune system. When there is disruption in the normal functioning of the immune system, the virus can multiply and migrates out along the nerve and cause damage. The skin is the most frequently damaged tissue and sensory nerves are those most commonly involved, mostly in face or genitals.
Most bouts of shingles occur in those over 65 years of age, when immune system is not functioning optimally.Patients with cancer (especially those on chemotherapy), people who have had transplants, people on long-term immunosuppressive drugs like steroids or people with HIV infection or AIDS are also at a higher risk.
An attack of shingles is very often preceded by tingling and numbness over the affected skin, and or shooting pains, two to three weeks before the actual rash appears on the skin. Some people get pain only after the rash has appeared. The rash starts as a band or patch of raised red dots on one side of the trunk, face, arms, abdomen or legs, nearly always on one side of the body. The eruptions get enlarged and become fluid-filled blisters, and within about two weeks dry and forms crust. The pain can be extremely severe sharp, stabbing, burning, piercing, throbbing or a combination of all of these. Rarely, there can be a rash with no pain.
Many times patients are left with a degree of pain after the rash has gone, a disorder known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The pain may last for months or years following the attack, frequently accompanied with hypersensitivity of the skin, such that the slightest touch or draft of air is intolerable. Most cases like this gradually improve with time.
Conventional treatment includes anti-viral drugs such as Acyclovir taken as soon as shingles is diagnosed. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories can help during an attack.
Few homeopathic medicines that are given to cure Herpes are mentioned below
Arsenicum album
Herpes is associated with extreme anxiety. The skin complaint alternating with respiratory complaints like asthma is a strong key point for homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album. One characteristic symptom is burning sensations which are ameliorated by warmth in general (warm applications, warm drinks etc.). Extreme exhaustion may also be present. This remedy is often indicated in persons who have fears including that of death, disease, germs and of catching infection. Patients with anxieties about health, anxiety over trifles and anxiety about others. Marked restlessness of both mental and physical state is distinctive feature for selecting this medicine. Patient demanding extreme neatness and order in everything.
Apismellifica
Apismellifica is indicated in red, inflamed, raised patches, these later become purple. The rash is quite painful and tender to touch, burn and sting – much like a bee sting. Itching intolerably at night and worse from the warmth of the bed. The skin may feel better in fresh air. Women, especially widows; children and girls who are awkward, and things fall from their hands. Symptoms are aggravated by warmth, and relieved by cold applications or exposure to cool air. The person may be irritable and very sensitive to touch.
Iris versicolor
This remedy is often helpful for herpes zoster infection that is accompanied by stomach disorders with burning sensations and nausea. Eruptions may be seen especially on the right side of the abdomen.
Mezereum
Bright red eruptions that itch intolerably. Pain is worse from heat and relieved by cold applications, and cool fresh air is soothing—in spite of the fact that the person is chilly in general and worse from getting cold.
RanunculusBulbosus
This remedy is indicated for intensely itching shingles over the ribcage (either on the back or chest), which are sore, and aggravated from contact with clothing or any touch. The blisters may look bluish. The patient feels worse from alcoholic beverages, and from exposure to cold air.
Rhus toxicodendron
Skin feels painful and sensitive to cold air, eczema which is crusty, dry and itchy. Eczema is which is often accompanied by stiffness of joint which is better by movement. Marked red and itchy eruptions accompanied with restlessness.
