Herpes zoster also called  shingles  is a viral disease , caused by varicella zoster virus or VZV, the chicken pox virus and affects unilateral nerves. Anyone who's had chickenpox may develop shingles.

Herpes zoster infection is a rather common viral infection. The manifestations of this infection can range from subtle to extensive lesions such as alveolar bone necrosis and exfoliation of teeth. Pain, allodynia, and altered sensation are common features of acute herpes zoster

Herpes zoster infection and reactivation results in characteristic vesiculo-bullous-ulcerative lesions of the face and the oral cavity. Since it produces a radicular distribution of pain, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of radiculopathy. As per Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, patients who have risk behaviours of HIV infection should receive regular surveillance for undiagnosed HIV infection when they present with herpes zoster.

Symptoms:  painful skin rash along with blisters limited to one side of the body.

• Pain, burning, numbness or tingling
• Sensitivity to touch
• A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itching

Virus that causes chickenpox and shingles is not the same virus responsible for cold sores or genital herpes which is a sexually transmitted infection.

Neuropathic pain - If pain of Herpes Zoster continues after healing of rash for more than three months in the affected skin areas, then it is termed as post herpetic neuralgia.

Herpes Zoster, Shingles Homeopathy Medicines

Dr K S Gopi says Homoeopathic medicines are ideal for the treatment of herpes zoster and it cure this condition safely without any side effects. He recommends following medicines (Source: blog ks-gopi dot blogspotdot com)

1. Ranunculus bulbosus 30 for herpes zoster with intense itching. While itching, or tingling start a few days before the rash appears, Shingles soon turns to reddish bumps and in a few days to fluid-filled blisters. The patient feels burning, bruised, and stitching pains. Vesicles are bluish in colour, sensitive to touch and cold air. Also indicated for intercostal neuralgia following herpetic infection. It is prepared from the plant buttercup

2. Rhus Tox 30  is a routine remedy for herpes zoster with much itching, burning, and tingling pains, vesicles are yellowish with itching and stinging, skin is sensitive to cold air. Dr Vikas Sharma says feeling as if pierced with hot needles, increase in eruptions on rubbing, a feeling of burning pain on blistering skin rash and itching that gets better with the application of hot water are the main symptoms for use of this remedy

3. Arsenicum Alb 30 for suppurating herpes with violent burning pain. At first, the sores look similar to small bumps or pimples before developing into pus-filled blisters. These may be red, yellow or white. There is burning and shooting pain with fish like scales, which is worse at night. Large and deep crusts/scales bleed when removed. Patient thirsts for water from burning pains after healing of Herpes Zoster eruptions

4. Mezereum 200  where herpes follow the course of intercostals or supra orbital nerves. There is intolerable itching and sharp lightening like pain. Dr. Vikas sharma says a guiding symptom for mezereum is violently itching vesicles with shining red areola and intense burning. Ulceration forms thick scabs under which purulent matter exudes, in chronic cases. Scabs eventually form on the small bumps, blisters or open sores as shingles  heal,
5. Hypericum Perfoliatum 30 for painful vesicular eruptions occurring along the course of spinal nerves in a unilateral way or on the face, nose and eyes. Herpes is present in circular patches. It relieves intense neuropathic pain syndromes in herpes
6. Cedron 30 is prescribed in herpes zoster with radiating pain. Postherpetic neuralgia means nerve pain after herpes that may appear as outward pain flowing from affected area. Shingles pain is localized, usually radiating around the rash that develops. 
7. Dulcamara 30 is best for herpes zoster and it is prescribed for suppurative (pus forming) herpes due to cold conditions and by living in damp houses.

Dr advise Herpes Zoster, Shingles Homeopathy Treatment Kit

Dr Kirti recommends following homeopathic medicines for Herpes Zoster infection. Watch his You Tube video titled "Herpes Zoster ! Homeopathic Medicine for Herpes Zoster ? Explain !" for more info

Mode of action of Herpes Zoster treatment Homeopathic medicines 

• Variolinum 30, 2 drops 2 times a day. As per Dr Vaishali Jain "Variolinum is a very effective medicine in aiding, curing & preventing smallpox"
• Rhus toxicodendron 30 2 drops every hour for 3 days. Rhus tox is one of the top remedies for herpes zoster. It is considered a routine remedy for herpes zoster with much itching , burning, and tingling pains
• Arsenic album 30, 1 drop 3 times a day. Arsenic alb is another top remedy for the treatment of herpes zoster. It is suited to suppurating herpes with violent burning pain. There is burning and shooting pain , which is worse at night , especially 12 to 4 am. The crusts are large and deep which bleed when removed. There is thirst for small quantities  of water at short intervals.
• Cantharis 30 Good for blister, reduces pain and infection, and water content in blisters thereby drying it up. It has a  effect on nerves which are affected by herpes virus. 2 drops theree times a day (morning-noon-night) 
• Calendula officinalis Q apply on affected area three times a day. Dr Gopi advises after the vesicles and crusts have  disappeared, 50 drops mixed with 30 gms of Vaseline may be applied to the affected part to soothe the skin.

Other patent homeopathy medicines for Herpes Zoster

Dr.Bakshi B67 Shingles drops contains croton tig 6x that has wide and intense action upon skin and mucous surface. Good for pustular eruptions particularly on face & genitals

Dr.Reckeweg R68 Shingles drops contains Natrium chloarum for Herpes Labialis (cold sores)

REPL Dr. Advice No 54, Herpes, vascular eruption

Haslab HC82 Skoocum Complex Tablets with graphites 3x, petroleoum 3x for papular eruptions on face & lips

_{Disclaimer: The medicines listed here are solely based on suggestion made by doctor on You Tube whose reference is provided. Homeomart does not provide any medical advise or prescriptions or suggest self medications. This is a part of customer education initiative. We suggest you consult your physician before taking any medicines}