Postherpetic Neuralgia: Symptoms, Causes & Relief

If you have had shingles, a complication of chicken pox, you are also susceptible to postherpetic neuralgia. This disorder is marked by lingering discomfort and physical distress long after the rash associated with shingles has cleared.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia include deep pain, burning, itching or numbness of the skin and hypersensitivity to touch or a change in temperature.

Causes

• Postherpetic neuralgia occurs when nerves are damaged during a shingles outbreak. The damaged nerves send faulty signals to the brain, which interprets the messages as symptoms of pain and tenderness.

Prevention

• According to Dr. Christopher Gharibo of AfterShingles.com, taking an antiviral medication within 72 hours of a shingles attack can reduce the likelihood of painful complications. Zostavax is one example of an antiviral.

Treatment

• Painkillers, injected steroids, antidepressants and several anticonvulsants can be effective in easing the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia. Capsaicin, a cream made from hot chili peppers, may also provide relief.

Considerations

• Dr. Gharibo reports that roughly one in five people will develop painful symptoms after a shingles attack; those over the age of 50 are most at risk.