Postherpetic Neuralgia
What is Postherpetic Neuralgia?
Postherpetic Neuralgia is a complication related to herpes zoster, otherwise known as shingles. Shingles is an infectious disease that is characterized by intense and often debilitating pain. In most patients, the rash and blisters disappear within just a few weeks, but when the pain lasts even after the visible signs are gone, the condition becomes postherpetic neuralgia.
The burning pain of postherpetic neuralgia is due to the fact that it affects the nerve fibers of the skin and that is why it is often severe enough to interfere with appetite and sleep. As one ages, the risk of having an episode of postherpetic neuralgia increases; as a result, people over 60 are more often victims. Even the area of the body where it appears makes a difference in whether someone will eventually experience this painful condition. Those who have shingles on the face are far more likely to have it than when it appears elsewhere.
Causes of Postherpetic Neuralgia
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that once it has cleared up, the person affected has built up immunity to. However, the virus responsible for chickenpox remains in the body. As a person ages, for some reason that may be related to stress, the virus can reactivate at the site it has been harbored for years into what is known as shingles. Due to the immunity, there is no rash all over the body, but instead it is localized to the area it has infected. When the nerve fibers of this infected area suffer damage, postherpetic neuralgia can present itself.
Symptoms of Postherpetic Neuralgia
Symptoms are normally limited to the area of the body affected by the first breakout which is usually in a band around the trunk of the body and often on just one side. Those symptoms typically show up as burning, deep, aching, often sharp and stabbing pain. Patients are often so sensitive to even the lightest touch that they can hardly bear the touch of the clothing they are wearing. This is often called alladynia. Some people with postherpetic neuralgia experience an itchy feeling and numbness. In the rarest of cases, when the nerves involved are associated with the control of muscles, weakness or paralysis can occur.
Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia can be difficult to treat, and the most effective approach often varies from person to person. Early treatment of shingles may help reduce the risk of developing this painful condition. Once postherpetic neuralgia develops, treatment usually focuses on relieving pain, improving comfort, and helping patients return to their normal daily activities.
Treatment may include pain-relieving medications, therapies designed to calm irritated nerves, and topical treatments applied directly to the skin. In some cases, stronger medications may be needed when pain is severe. Because responses to treatment can differ, patients are often monitored closely so their treatment plan can be adjusted as needed.
Preventive measures are also important. Prompt treatment of shingles and vaccination may help reduce the likelihood of developing postherpetic neuralgia and other related complications.
Contact HEALTHPOINTE for further information regarding Peripheral Neuropathy. If you or someone you know are suffering from said symptoms, be sure to visit one of our many locations in Southern California. Remember, we are always here to treat you!