$Unique_ID{BRK00449}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Red Peppers for Pain From Shingles}
$Subject{shingles treatment}
$Volume{A-20, A-2}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Red Peppers for Pain From Shingles


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QUESTION:  I suffered from a terrible attack of shingles.  While the rash is
now gone, the pain hasn't, and nothing seems to control it, though I have
taken everything.  My friend tells me he read where red peppers could do me
some good, but I don't know how to fix them.  Is there anything you could tell
me to help me?

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ANSWER:  It's not cajun cooking you need, but to know that an oil made from
plants of the capsicum family, a family that includes cayenne or red pepper,
was touted to reduce the pain in cases of shingles (doctors call it herpes
zoster).  A purified form of this extract is called capsaicin (sold under the
brand name of Zostrix) apparently works in these cases.  Scientists believe
that a chemical, called Substance P, may play a role in transmitting pain and
that the when capsaicin is used in a cream, applied to the area of pain, it
works to neutralize the action of Substance P.  Although the medication is
available in rather low concentrations, reports are that it works well.  At
present they are investigating the use of higher concentrations, which
apparently is even more effective in controlling the pain that becomes chronic
in many shingles sufferers.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
