Shingles (herpes zoster)
and Postherpetic Neuralgia
Shingles consists of a very painful rash, most often on one side of the body in a narrow band. Shingles usually affects the elderly or people with compromised immune systems. The same virus (herpes zoster) that causes chicken pox also causes shingles. When the pain lasts even after the rash has cleared, it is called postherpetic neuralgia, meaning pain in the nerve after a bout of shingles.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Vitamin B12 may help relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. Although various drug treatments may be more effective, they also have significant side effects, unlike vitamin B12.
1 Individuals should consult with a nutritionally oriented doctor, as the vitamin may have to be given by injection to be effective.Adenosine monophosphate (AMP), a natural metabolite (breakdown product) of body processes, may play a role in limiting the pain that sometimes lingers after a bout of shingles (called postherpetic neuralgia). One double blind study involving 32 adults with shingles (herpes zoster) found that injections of AMP given three times per week for a month following a flare-up of shingles relieved the pain more quickly than placebo.
2 AMP also helps heal the lesions and prevents recurrence of pain or lesions.Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual supplement for complete information.) Vitamin B12 supplements are not associated with side effects. The limited number of human studies involving AMP have not indicated any side effects caused by AMP. However, some researchers have expressed concern that supplemental intake of AMP is hypothetically associated with increased levels of adenosine, a related substance to AMP that may interfere with immune function.
Herbs that may be helpful: The hot principle in cayenne peppers is known as capsaicin, and it is used for many painful conditions, including shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. A cream containing 0.025–0.075% capsaicin is applied three to four times per day to the painful area and has been shown to greatly reduce pain.
3 Results are consistent even after two years of follow-up.4 It may take two weeks or more to get the full benefit of the cream. Capsaicin creams such as Zostrix are available in pharmacies.Licorice has also been used by doctors of natural medicines as a topical for shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. Glycyrrhizin, one of the active components of licorice, has been shown to block herpes zoster virus.
5 Licorice gel should be applied three or more times per day. Individuals may need to see a doctor who practices herbal medicine to locate licorice gel.Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual herb for complete information.) Besides causing a mild burning for the first few applications (or severe burning if accidentally placed in sensitive areas, such as the eyes), there are no side effects from use of cayenne cream. As with anything applied to the skin, some people may have an allergic reaction, so the first application should be to a very small area of skin. The hands should be washed after applying the cream, to avoid getting any in the eyes or mouth, where it can cause burning.
Licorice products without the glycyrrhizin removed may increase blood pressure and cause water retention in some people. Long-term intake of products containing more than 1 gram of glycyrrhizin per day can cause these side effects. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice extracts do not cause these side effects, but are not effective for this condition.
Nutritional Supplements |
Herbs |
|
| Adenosine monophosphate | Cayenne | Arsenicum album 6c Apis mellifica 30c Rhus toxicodendron 6c Mezereum 30c Ranunculus bulbosus 30c |
References:
1. Yu B. Treatment of herpes zoster: Recombinant alpha-2a-interferon versus acyclovir
and vitamin therapy. Clinical Study Group on Interferon. Chin Med Sci J
1993;8:38–40.
2. Sklar SH, Blue WT, Alexander EJ, et al. Herpes zoster. The treatment and prevention of
neuralgia with adenosine monophosphate. JAMA 1985;253:1427-30.
3. Bernstein JE, Korman NJ, Bickers DR, et al. Topical capsaicin treatment of chronic
postherpetic neuralgia. J Am Acad Dermatol 1989;21:265–70.
4. Watson CP, Evans RJ, Watt VR. Post-herpetic neuralgia and topical capsaicin. Pain
1988;33:333–40.
5. Baba M, Shigeta S. Antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin against varicella-zoster virus in
vitro. Antivir Res 1987;7:99–107.
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.