Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia is a painful complication of shingles. Shingles is an outbreak of the herpes zoster virus, also known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
Signs and symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia include severe pain that lasts 3 months or longer after the shingles rash has healed. The pain has been described as burning, sharp and jabbing, or deep and aching. Associated symptoms can include
- skin sensitivity to light touch,
- itching, or
- numbness.
Cause of postherpetic neuralgia
Damage to nerve fibers from the herpes zoster virus causes postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia usually begins after shingles has cleared, but it can also occur in cases when no shingles blisters were observed. Older people and people who have had shingles are at greatest risk for developing the condition.
Other postherpetic neuralgia symptoms and signs
- Itching
- Numbness
- Severe Pain That Lasts 3 Months After the Shingles Rash Healed
- Skin Sensitivity to Light Touch
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 6/24/2021
Main Article on Postherpetic Neuralgia Symptoms and Signs
IMAGES
See ImagesExamples of Medications for Postherpetic Neuralgia Symptoms and Signs
- amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep)
- capsaicin - topical, Capsagel, Salonpas-Hot, Zostri
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Gabapentin vs. Baclofen
- lidocaine patch (Lidoderm)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- morphine extended-release capsule - oral, Avinza
- morphine sustained-action capsule - oral, Kadian
- nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Oxycodone for Pain (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxecta, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, Roxybond)
- Side Effects of Lyrica (pregabalin)
- tramadol (Ultram)
- venlafaxine, Effexor XR (Effexor has been discontinued in the US)