- Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, and it is reported that about 1 in 3 people will experience it by age 80.
- A major trigger for its onset is a decline in immunity (due to aging, stress, illness, etc.). Vaccination is the most effective method of prevention.
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication, and the risk increases with age. Pain management and mental care are also important.
- What you can do with diet and supplements is limited. While there are theoretical cautions regarding foods high in arginine, L-lysine has been suggested to have a palliative effect in some cases, but please consult your doctor.
Introduction: Shingles Can Happen to Anyone, But There Are Ways to Cope
When your immunity drops due to stress, fatigue, or aging, the chickenpox virus you caught as a child can act up again, causing shingles. In Japan, it is said that about 1 in 3 people will experience shingles by the age of 80, making it a familiar disease to us. Since early countermeasures and appropriate treatment can often lighten the symptoms, let's face it with the correct knowledge.
What is Shingles? Symptoms and the Mechanism of Infection
Main Symptoms
In the early stages, there is a tingling or burning sensation on the skin, followed by a band-like red rash and blisters on one side of the body. It may also be accompanied by fever, headache, and fatigue. The rash itself does not transmit shingles to others as shingles, but if the virus is transmitted to someone who has never had chickenpox, it can cause them to develop chickenpox.
Reactivation of the Virus
The chickenpox virus lies dormant in the nerve ganglia and reactivates when immunity weakens. The risk increases especially for those over 50, and people in an immunosuppressed state (such as those undergoing cancer treatment or with HIV) also need to be careful.
Immunity That Influences Onset and Preparing for Complications
Immunity is Key
Stress, insomnia, and poor nutrition lower immunity. When we actually improved our sleep and diet, we often felt our physical condition stabilize, and we realized that it also leads to the prevention of shingles. Try to keep in mind light exercise, sufficient rest, and a well-balanced diet.
Complications: Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) and Others
Long-term nerve pain (PHN) that remains after shingles is said to occur in about 10 to 18% of patients, and the risk increases with age. Because PHN can interfere with daily life and sleep, and invite depression and anxiety, early pain management and mental care (such as sleep improvement, meditation, and yoga) are important.
Prevention and Treatment: The Role of Vaccines and Medicine
Prevention is Possible with Vaccines
Shingles can be prevented with a vaccine. The subunit vaccine (Shingrix®) that has become widespread in recent years has a higher preventive effect and persistence than conventional vaccines, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States also recommends vaccination. Before getting vaccinated, please consult your doctor about the possibility of side effects and allergies.
See a Doctor Early if You Develop Symptoms
After onset, starting antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir and valacyclovir) as early as possible may lower the risk of severe symptoms and PHN. Since it is often desirable to start treatment within 72 hours, please visit a medical institution promptly if you feel skin symptoms or strong nerve pain.
What You Can (and Cannot) Do with Diet and Supplements
The Story of Arginine and Lysine
At the laboratory level, there are studies suggesting that arginine may help the herpes virus multiply. For this reason, some people avoid foods high in arginine, such as chocolate, gelatin, and nuts, but solid clinical data showing a dramatic impact from a daily diet is limited. On the other hand, while supplements of the essential amino acid lysine (L-lysine) have been suggested to have a palliative effect on cold sores, their effectiveness against shingles is not clear.
Practical Dietary Tips
A well-balanced diet, sufficient protein, vegetables and vitamins (especially vitamin D and vitamin C), moderate exercise, and good sleep habits build the foundation of immunity. If you are considering supplements, please consult a doctor or pharmacist, including about interactions with medications and underlying diseases. We also always consult an expert when trying supplements.
Conclusion
Shingles is a disease that can happen to many people, but prevention is possible, and early treatment can reduce complications. The most effective methods are vaccination and daily immune care (sleep, stress management, and nutrition). Consider diet and supplements as supplementary measures, and consult a doctor if you have any doubts. Our geefee team has also realized that regulating our lifestyle leads to prevention. If you have any concerning symptoms, please see a doctor early.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.