Localized pain in the area of involvement of shingles that persists beyond one month.
The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic
neuralgia.
This occurs when the pain associated with shingles persists beyond one month, even after the
rash is gone. The pain can be severe and debilitating and
occurs primarily
in persons over the age of 50. There is some evidence that
treating
shingles with steroids and antiviral agents can reduce the
duration and
occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia. However, the decrease is
minimal.
The pain of postherpetic neuralgia can be reduced by a number of medications. Tricyclic antidepressant
medications
(amitriptyline /Elavil and others), as well as anti-seizure
medications (gabapentin /Neurontin, carbamazepine /Tegretol),
have been used to relieve the pain associated with herpetic
neuralgia.
Finally, capsaicin cream, a derivative of hot chili peppers, can be
used topically on the
area after all the blisters have healed, to reduce the pain. Acupuncture and electric nerve stimulation through the skin can be helpful for some patients.
These options
are best discussed with your healthcare practitioner.
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