Is Shingles Herpes Too?

At least 1 million people in the United States have an outbreak of Shingles each year. Shingles is Herpes Zoster, caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus, which causes Chickenpox. 

Shingles lesions are slightly different than cold sores (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2) blisters. Still, it belongs to the herpes family, just like Chickenpox does. The Shingles virus can lie dormant in anyone who has had Chickenpox. Anyone who has ever had Chickenpox as a childhood illness runs a chance of experiencing Shingles at least twice in adulthood.

Shingles appear as a blistering rash on one side of the body's face, neck, or trunk. It can also surface on the buttocks. The rash can last 2-4 weeks, and the pain can be quite severe. Other symptoms may include a headache, fever, and an upset stomach. In rare instances, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), or death. One in five people complains of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (nerve pain that lasts long after the rash clears).

Depending on the outbreak's severity, Shingles may require a doctor visit or hospital stay to avoid secondary infections and manage pain.

You cannot contract Shingles from another person with Shingles. However, although it's not common, a person who has never had Chickenpox (or a Chickenpox vaccine) could get Chickenpox by coming into physical contact with someone with Shingles.

Shingles, also called VZV, can cause three types of urinary dysfunction: Cystitis, Neuritis, and Myelitis. The following describes how each condition originates due to shingles.

• Cystitis: VZV directly attacks the bladder wall, causing dysfunction and inflammation of the mucous membranes. Blisters can be observed during cystoscopy.

• Neuritis: VZV lurks in a posterior ganglion and affects the motor nerve of the sacral nerve, disrupting the reflex of the detrusor muscle and weakening the bladder.

• Myelitis: VZV damages the upper sacral nerve, which causes a rigid bladder. 

Holistic Alternatives for Shingles

You can ease the pain associated with Shingles with the same remedies as those for cold sores and genital herpes. I provide a list of natural remedies containing 1-3 ingredients you likely already have at home. See HSV Remedy Recipes.

Research suggests supplementing with cell salts (Schuessler's Nat mur 6x), also called tissue salts, helps prevent shingles and other herpes outbreaks by optimizing metabolism. This is done by excreting toxins and acids out of your body's cells, which activates the power of self-healing. You can learn more about cell salts through the resources provided below. You'll find cell salts in The Herpothecary under Other Items. 

• Heart Mind Healing
• Vancouver Homeopath

A Shingles vaccination was developed for people over 50 in 2006. However, there are side effects to consider. You can contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for more information. 

Back to HSV Q & A.