5/4/2025
Last update
5/4/2025
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 6 Researches
8.5
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.7
Top Medical Research Studies
7
We conducted a study to understand how intravenous Vitamin C might help with shingles, specifically focusing on both the immediate pain and the longer-term risk of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). To do this, we enrolled 87 patients diagnosed with herpes zoster (shingles) and divided them into two groups—one received an infusion of Vitamin C along with normal saline, while the other received only normal saline.
After treatment, we assessed the patients on pain severity and side effects using questionnaires throughout the first five days and then followed up later at intervals of two, four, eight, and sixteen weeks post-discharge. The results showed that while Vitamin C did not significantly reduce the acute pain associated with shingles, it notably lowered the incidence of PHN after the eighth week compared to the control group.
So, although patients didn’t find immediate relief from their acute pain, those receiving Vitamin C seemed less likely to suffer from long-lasting pain issues related to shingles. Our findings suggest that Vitamin C may have a more specific role in preventing chronic pain conditions rather than addressing acute symptoms.
After treatment, we assessed the patients on pain severity and side effects using questionnaires throughout the first five days and then followed up later at intervals of two, four, eight, and sixteen weeks post-discharge. The results showed that while Vitamin C did not significantly reduce the acute pain associated with shingles, it notably lowered the incidence of PHN after the eighth week compared to the control group.
So, although patients didn’t find immediate relief from their acute pain, those receiving Vitamin C seemed less likely to suffer from long-lasting pain issues related to shingles. Our findings suggest that Vitamin C may have a more specific role in preventing chronic pain conditions rather than addressing acute symptoms.
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8
We explored the effects of intravenous vitamin C on patients suffering from shingles, a painful skin condition caused by the herpes zoster virus. This study took place over nearly two years and included data from 67 participants who received vitamin C alongside standard treatment. The aim was to see whether this vitamin could help alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with shingles.
Our findings revealed significant reductions in pain scores and improvements in dermatologic symptoms, such as the number of skin lesions and the presence of hemorrhagic vesicles. Remarkably, only 6.4% of participants went on to experience post-herpetic neuralgia, a common and painful complication of shingles. General well-being also improved, with participants reporting less fatigue and better concentration.
While these results are promising, they come from an observational study without control groups or blinding, which means we need to interpret them with caution. To firmly establish the benefits of vitamin C for shingles treatment, further randomized, placebo-controlled studies will be necessary. Overall, this research suggests that adding vitamin C to standard shingles treatment could offer beneficial effects.
Our findings revealed significant reductions in pain scores and improvements in dermatologic symptoms, such as the number of skin lesions and the presence of hemorrhagic vesicles. Remarkably, only 6.4% of participants went on to experience post-herpetic neuralgia, a common and painful complication of shingles. General well-being also improved, with participants reporting less fatigue and better concentration.
While these results are promising, they come from an observational study without control groups or blinding, which means we need to interpret them with caution. To firmly establish the benefits of vitamin C for shingles treatment, further randomized, placebo-controlled studies will be necessary. Overall, this research suggests that adding vitamin C to standard shingles treatment could offer beneficial effects.
Read More
8
We explored the potential benefits of administering vitamin C to a patient suffering from herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. This condition arises from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and is marked by painful skin rashes and nerve pain in specific areas of the body.
Although traditional treatments include pain relievers, antiviral medications, and sympathetic nerve blocks, some patients experience lingering pain that these methods fail to address effectively.
In our case, we had a patient whose pain persisted despite receiving standard care. Upon administering an intravenous infusion of vitamin C, we observed an immediate decrease in the patient's pain levels. This finding suggests that vitamin C may have a role in managing pain associated with shingles, although further research is needed to establish its effectiveness more broadly.
Although traditional treatments include pain relievers, antiviral medications, and sympathetic nerve blocks, some patients experience lingering pain that these methods fail to address effectively.
In our case, we had a patient whose pain persisted despite receiving standard care. Upon administering an intravenous infusion of vitamin C, we observed an immediate decrease in the patient's pain levels. This finding suggests that vitamin C may have a role in managing pain associated with shingles, although further research is needed to establish its effectiveness more broadly.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
Rapid shingles recovery
41 people found this helpful
I had shingles and initially took high doses of vitamin C without positive results. Then I switched to LivOn Labs liposomal vitamin C. Within an hour of taking it, I felt a warm, tingly sensation. By day 7, my pain and rash had completely cleared up. It worked when other vitamin C products failed, and I have no lingering pain or marks.
Read More
7.5
Improved sleep quality
5 people found this helpful
This is a miracle vitamin C for those suffering from shingles and sleep issues. My mum, who is 75, found that it helped her sleep naturally after stopping Ambien. Something in this product works wonders for her.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 6 Researches
8.5
- All Researches
9.5
We observed a unique case involving a 65-year-old Japanese woman who developed shingles due to the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This led to complications such as cranial polyneuritis and meningitis, specifically impacting her right cranial nerves. After her symptoms worsened following standard antiviral treatment with acyclovir, she was given intravenous methylprednisolone and vitamin C on Day 4 after admission.
Remarkably, her condition began to improve significantly with this treatment combination, and by Day 45, she had made a full recovery. It's important to note that cranial polyneuritis is a rare complication associated with VZV reactivation, and there is no widely accepted treatment protocol for it. This report is particularly striking because it marks the first documented instance of full recovery from cranial polyneuritis when vitamin C was included as part of the treatment plan.
While we cannot definitively isolate the effects of vitamin C from the other treatments, this case highlights its potential role in enhancing recovery from debilitating shingles-related conditions.
Remarkably, her condition began to improve significantly with this treatment combination, and by Day 45, she had made a full recovery. It's important to note that cranial polyneuritis is a rare complication associated with VZV reactivation, and there is no widely accepted treatment protocol for it. This report is particularly striking because it marks the first documented instance of full recovery from cranial polyneuritis when vitamin C was included as part of the treatment plan.
While we cannot definitively isolate the effects of vitamin C from the other treatments, this case highlights its potential role in enhancing recovery from debilitating shingles-related conditions.
Read More
9.5
We explored the role of intravenous vitamin C in treating acute herpetic neuralgia, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which also leads to shingles. In a small study involving two female patients aged 67 and 53, both of whom had confirmed acute herpetic neuralgia, we administered 15 grams of vitamin C intravenously every other day for two weeks in conjunction with standard pain relief and antiviral therapy.
Remarkably, both patients experienced a rapid and complete remission of their neuropathic pain, as measured on a visual analog scale. Additionally, they showed signs of healing from their skin lesions within just ten days. While these results are encouraging and suggest that vitamin C has a potential role in alleviating pain associated with herpes zoster, it's important to remember that this study involved a very small sample size and did not use a controlled methodology that could definitively isolate the effect of vitamin C alone.
Thus, while the initial findings are promising and warrant further investigation, especially for tenacious postherpetic neuralgia cases, larger randomized clinical trials are necessary to firmly establish the effectiveness of vitamin C treatment in this context. Such studies could help clarify if vitamin C should be considered a standard part of treatment for herpes-related nerve pain.
Remarkably, both patients experienced a rapid and complete remission of their neuropathic pain, as measured on a visual analog scale. Additionally, they showed signs of healing from their skin lesions within just ten days. While these results are encouraging and suggest that vitamin C has a potential role in alleviating pain associated with herpes zoster, it's important to remember that this study involved a very small sample size and did not use a controlled methodology that could definitively isolate the effect of vitamin C alone.
Thus, while the initial findings are promising and warrant further investigation, especially for tenacious postherpetic neuralgia cases, larger randomized clinical trials are necessary to firmly establish the effectiveness of vitamin C treatment in this context. Such studies could help clarify if vitamin C should be considered a standard part of treatment for herpes-related nerve pain.
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9
We explored the potential role of vitamin C in treating pain associated with herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. The study specifically looked at two patients, both of whom were older adults, who experienced significant pain despite receiving standard antiviral and analgesic treatments.
The first patient, a 72-year-old man, had persistent pain even after his skin lesions had healed. The second patient, a 78-year-old woman, presented with clusters of rashes and swelling that were troubling. Unfortunately, nerve block treatments were not feasible for either patient, leading the team to try intravenous vitamin C infusions as an alternative approach.
Remarkably, both patients reported immediate relief from their pain following the treatment. The male patient experienced a notable reduction in his breakthrough pain, while the female patient saw an improvement in her skin lesions. While this study does not provide conclusive evidence about vitamin C’s effectiveness as a standalone treatment, the results suggest it could be a beneficial addition for patients who resist standard therapies.
Despite the promising outcomes observed in these two cases, we recognize that further research—including controlled trials—is necessary to understand the optimal dosage and timing for vitamin C administration. For now, incorporating vitamin C could serve as a valuable option for those struggling with shingles-related pain, particularly in more challenging cases.
The first patient, a 72-year-old man, had persistent pain even after his skin lesions had healed. The second patient, a 78-year-old woman, presented with clusters of rashes and swelling that were troubling. Unfortunately, nerve block treatments were not feasible for either patient, leading the team to try intravenous vitamin C infusions as an alternative approach.
Remarkably, both patients reported immediate relief from their pain following the treatment. The male patient experienced a notable reduction in his breakthrough pain, while the female patient saw an improvement in her skin lesions. While this study does not provide conclusive evidence about vitamin C’s effectiveness as a standalone treatment, the results suggest it could be a beneficial addition for patients who resist standard therapies.
Despite the promising outcomes observed in these two cases, we recognize that further research—including controlled trials—is necessary to understand the optimal dosage and timing for vitamin C administration. For now, incorporating vitamin C could serve as a valuable option for those struggling with shingles-related pain, particularly in more challenging cases.
Read More
8
We explored the effects of intravenous vitamin C on patients suffering from shingles, a painful skin condition caused by the herpes zoster virus. This study took place over nearly two years and included data from 67 participants who received vitamin C alongside standard treatment. The aim was to see whether this vitamin could help alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with shingles.
Our findings revealed significant reductions in pain scores and improvements in dermatologic symptoms, such as the number of skin lesions and the presence of hemorrhagic vesicles. Remarkably, only 6.4% of participants went on to experience post-herpetic neuralgia, a common and painful complication of shingles. General well-being also improved, with participants reporting less fatigue and better concentration.
While these results are promising, they come from an observational study without control groups or blinding, which means we need to interpret them with caution. To firmly establish the benefits of vitamin C for shingles treatment, further randomized, placebo-controlled studies will be necessary. Overall, this research suggests that adding vitamin C to standard shingles treatment could offer beneficial effects.
Our findings revealed significant reductions in pain scores and improvements in dermatologic symptoms, such as the number of skin lesions and the presence of hemorrhagic vesicles. Remarkably, only 6.4% of participants went on to experience post-herpetic neuralgia, a common and painful complication of shingles. General well-being also improved, with participants reporting less fatigue and better concentration.
While these results are promising, they come from an observational study without control groups or blinding, which means we need to interpret them with caution. To firmly establish the benefits of vitamin C for shingles treatment, further randomized, placebo-controlled studies will be necessary. Overall, this research suggests that adding vitamin C to standard shingles treatment could offer beneficial effects.
Read More
8
We explored the potential benefits of administering vitamin C to a patient suffering from herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. This condition arises from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and is marked by painful skin rashes and nerve pain in specific areas of the body.
Although traditional treatments include pain relievers, antiviral medications, and sympathetic nerve blocks, some patients experience lingering pain that these methods fail to address effectively.
In our case, we had a patient whose pain persisted despite receiving standard care. Upon administering an intravenous infusion of vitamin C, we observed an immediate decrease in the patient's pain levels. This finding suggests that vitamin C may have a role in managing pain associated with shingles, although further research is needed to establish its effectiveness more broadly.
Although traditional treatments include pain relievers, antiviral medications, and sympathetic nerve blocks, some patients experience lingering pain that these methods fail to address effectively.
In our case, we had a patient whose pain persisted despite receiving standard care. Upon administering an intravenous infusion of vitamin C, we observed an immediate decrease in the patient's pain levels. This finding suggests that vitamin C may have a role in managing pain associated with shingles, although further research is needed to establish its effectiveness more broadly.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.7
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
10
Rapid shingles recovery
41 people found this helpful
I had shingles and initially took high doses of vitamin C without positive results. Then I switched to LivOn Labs liposomal vitamin C. Within an hour of taking it, I felt a warm, tingly sensation. By day 7, my pain and rash had completely cleared up. It worked when other vitamin C products failed, and I have no lingering pain or marks.
Read More
7.5
Improved sleep quality
5 people found this helpful
This is a miracle vitamin C for those suffering from shingles and sleep issues. My mum, who is 75, found that it helped her sleep naturally after stopping Ambien. Something in this product works wonders for her.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.
References
- Liu Y, Wang M, Xiong MM, Zhang XG, Fang M. Intravenous Administration of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster-Associated Pain: Two Case Reports and Literature Review. Pain Res Manag. 2020;2020:8857287. 10.1155/2020/8857287
- Hongo T, Ikeda F, Fujioka S, Akatsuka R, Fujiwara T, et al. Intravenous Vitamin C as Ancillary Treatment for Cranial Polyneuritis and Meningitis due to Varicella Zoster Virus Reactivation. Acta Med Okayama. 2020;74:257. 10.18926/AMO/59960
- Kim MS, Kim DJ, Na CH, Shin BS. A Study of Intravenous Administration of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Acute Herpetic Pain and Postherpetic Neuralgia. Ann Dermatol. 2016;28:677.
- Schencking M, Vollbracht C, Weiss G, Lebert J, Biller A, et al. Intravenous vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: results of a multicenter prospective cohort study. Med Sci Monit. 2012;18:CR215.
- Byun SH, Jeon Y. Administration of Vitamin C in a Patient with Herpes Zoster - A case report -. Korean J Pain. 2011;24:108. 10.3344/kjp.2011.24.2.108
- Schencking M, Sandholzer H, Frese T. Intravenous administration of vitamin C in the treatment of herpetic neuralgia: two case reports. Med Sci Monit. 2010;16:CS58.
