Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Post-herpetic neuralgia is a side-effect of having suffered from shingles, which is a byproduct of the chickenpox virus.
Post-herpetic neuralgia is a side-effect of having suffered from shingles, which is a byproduct of the chickenpox virus. Post-herpetic neuralgia affects the nerve fibers and skin, which results in severe sensations of burning pain that last for a long time.
The pain generally affects the area of the skin where the shingles outbreak occurred, which is most often on one side of the torso or the face.
If you have experienced a rash from Shingles and are having long-lasting pain after the rash has cleared, you might be experiencing post-herpetic neuralgia.
Other signs and symptoms to look for include:
- Location-specific pain that lingers more than 3 months after the shingles rash has healed
- Pain and sensitivity to light touch or from the weight and movement of clothing
- Itching and numbness
Shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia affect people who are:
- In their 50s or older
- Suffering from shingles, or who have had the shingles rash – especially on the face or torso
Patients who have been suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia, as with most chronic pain conditions, may experience:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Loss of concentration and memory
Treatment options can include:
- Medicated skin patches
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Pain killers
- Injections