Can shingles be treated and cared for with food?

Shingles often leave long-term consequences, even when the shingles on the skin have healed, the patient still has dangerous complications in the nerves and senses. Therefore, it is necessary to detect, treat and supplement proper nutrition to avoid long-term consequences.

Blisters in people with shingles - Illustration photo

Chickenpox patients are at risk of getting shingles in old age and are prone to complications.

About a month ago, Mr. HTN (65 years old, Phu Tho ) had shingles in the abdomen, back, and left buttocks and was treated to be stable. Although the shingles ulcers have dried and peeled off, he still feels a burning, stinging pain like ant bites, accompanied by intermittent pain...

Doctors diagnosed Mr. N. with post-herpetic neuralgia.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen (Faculty of Traditional Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cam Khe Regional Medical Center), shingles is a disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) - the same strain as the virus that causes chickenpox.

After having chickenpox (mainly in children), the virus remains "dormant" in the nerve ganglia. When the immune system is weakened, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.

Shingles is caused by the shingles virus - Varicelle, can occur at any age, but is more common in the group of 50 years old and older. The disease not only causes pain but also causes serious complications such as nerve pain (even after recovery), skin infections due to bacterial invasion.

Especially if there are blisters on the forehead and nose, the disease can damage the optic nerve, reducing vision, even causing blindness, or infection, ulcers...

In the early stages, the blisters swell and contain clear fluid. After a few days, they gradually turn cloudy and turn into pus, then the blisters burst, forming scabs that gradually peel off after drying, leaving scars on the skin. Common symptoms in patients are:

- Tired and sleepless

- Pain before, during and after skin damage.

- Itching, burning or sensory disturbance in the affected skin area.

- Blisters, blisters in clusters.

Milk is one of the good foods for people with shingles - Illustration photo

Caring for the sick with food

Physician Nguyen Huu Toan, Hai Phong Oriental Medicine Association, emphasized that when sick, in addition to treatment, diet is very important, it can help reduce the feeling of pain or discomfort caused by the disease. It is best to supplement substances that help the disease recover such as:

- Lysine: Can be found in milk, some foods or taken as supplements. This amino acid can slow or reduce the growth of viruses. It can also reduce pain and reduce the progression of the disease, aid in healing and prevent outbreaks. The daily requirement for lysine is 1,250mg.

Foods rich in lysine include fish, beans, cheese, dairy products and chicken. Lysine is especially effective with foods containing zinc and foods rich in vitamins such as citrus fruits, mangoes, figs, lamb, lobster, turkey and mussels.

- Licorice: Is an herb used for many ailments. Licorice has antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties as well as healing the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive systems.

Additionally, licorice also enhances adrenal function. Proper adrenal function allows an individual to cope with stress and helps optimize the immune system. This can be especially helpful in preventing shingles, as stress and compromised immunity increase the risk of reactivation of the virus that causes shingles.

- Vitamin B6, B12: Vitamin B6 helps support the immune system and heal wounds caused by the shingles virus. Take vitamin B6 supplements three times a day or combine eating foods rich in B6 such as bananas, sweet potatoes and potatoes.

B12 helps nerve function properly. Nerves need B12 to create a protective myelin sheath around the nerve to insulate it. Vitamin B12 is found in shellfish, liver, fish, cereals, tuna, fish, milk, and yogurt.

What foods should be avoided?

When sick, you should avoid foods such as chocolate, wheat, white bread, oats, yeast, and some nuts because these foods contain arginine - which has the effect of reproducing and making the shingles virus stronger. In addition, you should avoid:

- Refined grains: Refined grains are high glycemic foods that contain sugars that are easily absorbed by the body, increasing the risk of blood sugar spikes. High blood sugar can be linked to fluid and electrolyte disturbances and increase the risk of infections, making shingles lesions take longer to heal.

- Trans fast fat: When combined with herpes zoster virus, it makes inflammation worse. Herpes zoster can cause inflammation around the eyes, affecting the cornea and iris and increasing the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Therefore, you should limit fried foods.

- Alcohol: Should be limited because foods and drinks containing alcohol can suppress the immune system and make the herpes zoster virus spread faster.

Notes on prevention and treatment of shingles:

- Do not rub or let dirty water come into contact with the shingles area.

- Clean the skin with diluted salt water or a specialized cleaning solution as directed by your doctor.

- Keep hands clean, wear loose, cool clothing.

- Limit close contact with people who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox (especially young children and pregnant women).

- Vaccination is the most effective disease prevention measure.

- Antibiotics cannot kill the shingles virus, only use when there is a secondary infection as prescribed by a doctor.

HA TUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-the-cham-soc-va-ho-tro-chua-tri-nguoi-benh-zona-than-kinh-bang-thuc-pham-20251007235531799.htm