Post-herpetic neuralgia from shingles occurs when the pain from herpes zoster persists weeks to months after the rash has resolved. The pain often changes from a sharp and stabbing pain into a burning pain. Over 1 million people in the United States are believed to have post-herpetic neuralgia.
Post-herpetic neuralgia treatment
A variety of medications may help improve pain symptoms. While pain symptoms may be well controlled with medications, many people never have a complete resolution of their pain. individuals whose symptoms are unbearable despite medication management may consider neuromodulation (spinal cord stimulation).
prevention
Accordingly to a large study, you can significantly reduce your change of herpes zoster by getting the VZV vaccine. The vaccine also reduced the severity of pain in those that did get herpes zoster. The study recommends that adults age 60 and older consider getting the VZV vaccine. Patients should talk to their primary care physicians about getting this vaccine. You can also learn more about the vaccine on the CDC website.