Shingles is an uncomfortable viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. While there is no cure, several natural remedies can offer symptom relief.

If you had chickenpox as a child, the shingles virus (the varicella-zoster virus) lies dormant in your body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause a shingles rash. This painful rash can occur on any part of your body.

Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. The rash and fluid-filled blisters form within a couple of days after the onset of pain. Some people with shingles also have a fever, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime.

Shingles isn’t life threatening, but some people experience postherpetic neuralgia. This is when nerve fibers become damaged, causing shingles pain that lasts for weeks or months after the rash clears.

There’s no cure for shingles, but your doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of the virus and reduce symptoms. Several natural remedies may also reduce pain and discomfort.

This article reviews six natural remedies that can help ease the symptoms of shingles.

Daily cleansing of your shingles blisters can reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Taking a cool bath or shower can also soothe your skin and calm itchiness.

You can also take a healing bath to reduce symptoms. Pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch into lukewarm bathwater and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

Do not use hot water. Hot water can worsen shingles blisters because heat increases blood flow.

Gently pat dry your body and then wash your towel to avoid spreading the virus to others.

In addition to taking a bath to relieve pain and itchiness associated with a shingles rash, you can also try applying a cool, moist compress.

Soak a cloth in cool water, wring out the water, and apply the cloth to the rash and blisters. You can apply a cool compress several times throughout the day to relieve symptoms.

The coolness of the compress can also help reduce pain. However, do not apply an ice pack to the rash. Extreme cold may increase skin sensitivity and worsen pain.

To relieve itching caused by a shingles rash, you can also try creating a paste using cornstarch or baking soda.

Pour two parts cornstarch or baking soda into a cup. Add one part water to get the desired consistency for the paste. Apply the mixture to your rash. Rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat several times a day as needed.

Scratching a shingles rash can cause scarring and prolong blisters. If itching doesn’t improve after a healing bath or applying a baking soda paste, try using soothing lotions and creams.

Lotions and creams don’t speed up the healing process, but they can increase your comfort level. Avoid scented or perfumed lotions as they can cause further irritation.

Use lotions and creams sparingly. Heavy application can keep sores from drying out and lengthen the healing process. For the same reasons, don’t use antibiotic ointments on the sores.

If you decide to use creams or lotions, look for ones that contain the natural ingredient capsaicin. Capsaicin has an anti-inflammatory effect to help ease pain. Pain may increase after initially applying the cream, but it’ll slowly go away.

Capsaicin cream works by reducing pain signals sent to the brain. Light applications of this cream can be used three or four times a day.

Additionally, you can apply calamine lotion after baths and showers to soothe irritated skin and help dry out blisters.

A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to recover from shingles. Certain dietary changes can strengthen your immune system and prevent shingles from spreading to other parts of your body.

You can take steps to boost your immune system by eating certain foods and avoiding others.

A shingles diet consists of foods with vitamins A, B-12, C, and E, and the amino acid lysine. Foods that promote healing include:

As you heal and cope with the effects of shingles, you might crave comfort foods. However, you should avoid certain foods if you have shingles. Foods to avoid include:

Eating too much of these foods can weaken the immune system and potentially prolong the virus.

You might consider homeopathic remedies along with conventional therapy to help with your shingles symptoms.

There is little scientific evidence supporting the use of homeopathic remedies as a treatment for any condition. Additionally, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the safety or efficacy of any homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic supplements and herbal medicines that may help your body fight the virus, and treat insomnia and anxiety due to shingles, include:

If you’re considering using any homeopathic remedies, be sure to talk with a doctor first. If your condition worsens, seek immediate medical care.

Understand that natural remedies don’t work for everyone. Even if you find an effective natural remedy, there’s no cure for shingles. The virus has to run its course.

However, nonconventional remedies may decrease your discomfort and irritation and speed healing when used in conjunction with conventional therapy.