Shingles is a painful and uncomfortable condition that affects many people across the world. The condition can cause a range of symptoms, including a rash, burning, and itching. For many people, traditional treatments may not be effective and can have side effects. Cannabis has been studied as a natural alternative for relief of shingles symptoms. This article discusses the potential benefits of using cannabis to help manage and reduce the pain and discomfort associated with shingles. Additionally, the article considers the risks and safety of using cannabis for shingles relief.
How does cannabis interact with other medications for shingles?
Cannabis can interact with other medications for shingles in a variety of ways. Cannabis may increase the effectiveness of certain medications, while reducing the effectiveness of others. In addition, cannabis may interact with some medications in a way that could be harmful or dangerous. It is important to consult with a doctor before using cannabis in combination with any other medications for shingles.
What evidence is there to suggest that cannabis can provide relief from the symptoms of shingles?
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There is evidence from a number of studies that suggests that cannabis can provide relief from the symptoms of shingles. For example, a 2012 study published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that cannabis was effective in reducing neuropathic pain during an outbreak of shingles. Another study published in the Journal of Pain in 2014 found that cannabis could help reduce the severity of postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles. Additionally, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that cannabis was effective in reducing the severity of burning, itching, and numbness associated with shingles.
Are there any side effects associated with using cannabis for shingles?
Yes, there are side effects associated with using cannabis for shingles. These can include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and fatigue. Additionally, cannabis can interact with other medications which could lead to negative side effects. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with a healthcare provider before using cannabis for shingles.
What forms of cannabis are most effective for treating shingles?
Cannabis can be effective in treating shingles due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The forms of cannabis most commonly used to treat shingles include tinctures, edibles, and topical creams. Tinctures are taken orally, while edibles and creams are applied directly to the affected area. Each form of cannabis can be tailored to the individual’s specific needs, allowing for personalized treatment.
Are there any special considerations for using cannabis for shingles in children or adolescents?
Yes, there are special considerations for using cannabis for shingles in children or adolescents. Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, can be beneficial for relieving the pain and inflammation associated with shingles. However, due to the potential for harm, cannabis should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider and only after other treatments have been explored. Additionally, special consideration should be given to the age and developmental stage of the child or adolescent when considering the use of cannabis for shingles.
Shingles are a painful condition similar to chickenpox, which is a type of rash on the body that typically affects children. Many people are probably unaware that they have the shingle virus in its inactive form in their bodies. Chickenpox is caused by the same virus as shingles varicella-zoster. The virus stays dormant in the body after the chickenpox has disappeared and can be triggered at any time in your life. So, how do you cope with those painful blisters? Pharmaceutical treatments often include a range of side effects, not to mention that a severe form of shingles can be debilitating on its own. This article will give you a deeper insight into the problem of shingles and the pain that comes with it. The telltale symptoms of shingles include a painful, blistery rash that is caused by the virus varicella-zoster and can be mistaken for chickenpox. It typically occurs on one side of the torso, but can actually show up anywhere on the body. After a person goes through a chickenpox infection, the virus transforms into its inactive form and can get activated several years later to cause shingles also referred to as herpes zoster. Shingles outbreak features a tingling sensation under the skin, which can be confused with a slight fever at first. People with shingles suffer from moderate to severe pinching pain in the problematic area, red patches of skin, and itchiness. Doctors usually prescribe antiviral drugs like acyclovir to tackle shingles. People also try to reduce their duration and severity with over-the-counter painkillers such as lidocaine 2. Even when a person has successfully treated shingles, they can still experience persistent pain lasting for years. Despite the lack of shingles-specific studies, CBD is known to have, antiviral, and painkilling properties, all of which can help stop the growth of viruses, including the varicella-zoster virus 3. CBD is one of the two significant cannabinoids in cannabis plants it occurs both in hemp and marijuana in various concentrations. This cannabinoid has been touted for its multiple therapeutic effects for various health concerns. Once ingested, CBD signals the endocannabinoid system ECS , our master regulatory network, to produce more of its own endocannabinoids. These endogenous molecules modulate the activity of the cannabinoid receptors by exerting certain actions of them. The ultimate role of the ECS is to maintain internal balance homeostasis between all biological functions in the body 4. These functions include mood, memory, emotional processing, cognition, sensory perception, immune response, reproduction, neuroprotection, body temperature, sleep cycles, and more. A review of the existing studies on the therapeutic qualities of cannabis suggested that CBD and other cannabinoids are remarkable anti-inflammatory compounds. The authors of the review concluded that these properties can be used in targeting a broad range of health conditions. Although no study has yet investigated the effectiveness of CBD specifically for shingles, the said interaction between CBD and the ECS can allow it to ease nerve damage caused by the condition. Whether applied through the vapor, sublingual consumption, or in a topical product, cannabis delivers THC and CBD to the rash site, helping alleviate the swelling. Topical cannabis products also offer localized pain relief, so they may come in particularly handy for coping with painful blisters or sores. In addition, THC may prevent these areas from becoming infected. Another potential benefit of using THC for shingles is the protective effect on the nerves against the damage from the shingle virus. This particular feature can prevent the development of postherpetic neuralgia, the aforementioned condition that causes the patient to experience severe pain in the area of the shingles rash long after it has healed. However, when you take THC through smoking, vaping, or any sort of internal administration, the compound can get you high, and the higher you get, the higher the chances it will impact your functioning throughout the duration of effects. Hemp-derived CBD is also more widely available. While marijuana the primary source of THC is legal in 17 U. CBD oil comes in many forms you can choose between sublingual drops, capsules, edibles, vapes, concentrates, and topical products such as salves, balms, and gels. CBD oil is administered sublingually with a dropper that allows for accurate dosing. The CBD will absorb through the tiny blood vessels in your mouth, avoiding the liver and the first-pass metabolism. As a result, the effects of CBD oil take hold faster than with oral forms e. These products provide a premeasured dose of CBD per serving and are better suited for people who travel a lot and live a busy lifestyle. Another way to take CBD oil is through vaping. Vaporization delivers the highest concentrations of CBD to your system and provides the fastest onset, but at the cost of some duration.