Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a side effect of having shingles (also called herpes zoster). The varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, is to blame for shingles. When the virus reactivates, it causes shingles.
Shingles are characterized by a stinging, blistering rash, among other symptoms. The rash usually shows up on one side of your body, usually on your trunk (central core of your body). The rash turns into blisters, and then they fall out of the skin. As the rash/blisters fade away, the pain may not, but it could be for a while. Chronic post-herpetic neuralgia occurs when pain persists after a bout of herpes zoster.
After you get shingles, your nerve pain may come and go. Also referred to as post-herpetic neuralgia, this is the most significant symptom of herpes infection. The area that is hurt may also:
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is diagnosed based on your symptoms, shingles history, and physical examination. For example, if you've recently had shingles and are experiencing discomfort in the area where the rash was, you're likely suffering from PHN. Your post-herpetic neuralgia specialist may want to run some tests to ensure your discomfort isn't caused by something else, but none are required in most cases.
Your doctor will check your skin, possibly touching it in some areas to assess the affected area's boundaries.
Post-herpetic neuralgia treatment is not alleviated by a single treatment for everyone. However, a combination of post-herpetic neuralgia medications is commonly used to alleviate pain.
The topical pain-relieving medicine is contained in little, bandage-like patches. These patches can be tailored only to cover the affected area. The patches are applied directly to aching skin and provide short comfort. They are available by prescription or over-the-counter at a little lower dosage.
Because you must be monitored after the high-concentration patch is given, the procedure takes at least two hours, yet a single post-herpetic pain treatment can reduce pain for up to three months in some people. If the application is successful, it can be repeated every three months.
Peripheral nerves can be blocked to alleviate pain in PHN. Stellate ganglion and paravertebral block can be performed with local anaesthetic agents. Radiofrequency ablation may be required in selective patients.
Medicines may not be able to eliminate pain entirely, but they can assist to alleviate it. It's possible that you'll have to test a few different medications before finding the one or combination of meds that work best for you.
Pain relievers that are often used do not usually function for post-herpetic neuralgia. Certain prescription medications, on the other hand, are useful for nerve pain, so you might want to try one of them.
Taking the herpetic neuralgia treatment at the right time can help relieve various signs and discomfort that is caused by the condition; it can relieve,
Tiredness
Insomnia (Troubled falling asleep)
Loss of appetite
Lack of concentration
How does post-herpetic neuralgia treatment work?
Medicines may not be able to entirely eliminate pain, but they can assist to alleviate it. You may need to test a few different drugs before finding the one (or combination of medications) that works best for you.
Post-herpetic neuralgia may not usually respond well to the common pain medications that are given to patients.
At night, can the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia get worse?
During the night, our core temperature fluctuates slightly. For the most part, people would rather sleep in a more laid-back setting. Neuropathy is believed to be exacerbated by the perception of temperature fluctuations as pain or tingling by damaged nerves.
Do you need treatment if you have post-herpetic neuralgia?
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is caused by shingles in the majority of instances. It occurs as a result of nerve damage caused by shingles. Messages sent from the skin to the brain are confused because of the damaged nerves. This can result in months of severe discomfort.
How can post-herpetic neuralgia be cured?
Your post-herpetic neuralgia specialist can prescribe a variety of effective post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) medications. Prescribed medicines and pain relievers are the most effective therapies. However, patches containing medicinal extracts or other pain medications work nicely as well.
What can bring post-herpetic neuralgia pain?
Age or a damaged immune system, such as those caused by chemotherapy or medications, might trigger the virus to reactivate and result in shingles. In addition, if your nerve fibres are damaged during a shingles epidemic, you may get post-herpetic neuralgia. Due to broken fibres, your skin is unable to send messages to your brain as effectively as it should.
My father started complaining about severe pain, and he seemed to get tired quite quickly. We were worried about the situation and reached out to Sri Ramakrishna Hospital as it is in the same locality. The doctor asked a couple of questions about his medical condition and history, examined him thoroughly, and informed us that he has post-herpetic neuralgia; the doctor patiently explained the condition and the treatment recommended. My father underwent the treatment, and today he is out of pain without any complications. Thank you, Sri Ramakrishna hospital, for the immediate treatment and care.
My mother was in constant pain, and we could see that something was not right. Finally, we reached Sri Ramakrishna hospital after researching online. The doctors and staff took complete care of my mother. The doctor recommended the best treatment for my mother. She recovered within 2 months and was able to continue her daily activities without any pain. This is all because of our doctor at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital; thank you for providing the best treatment for my mother.
Our Department of Pain Management has treated over 20,000+ patients with postherpetic pain treatment over the last 48 years. Our highly experienced postherpetic neuralgia specialist will ensure you receive the best herpetic neuralgia treatment in Coimbatore.
Our highly experienced postherpetic neuralgia specialist has immense experience in providing the best herpetic neuralgia treatment in Coimbatore
Dr. M. Sekar is a Consultant Pain Management & Interventional Pain Specialist of the Department of Pain Management at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. He has over 13 years of experience and is a specialist in treating Trigeminal Neuralgia.
