Post-herpetic neuralgia

What is post-herpetic neuralgia❓ 

 Pain that persists after having shingles 😭  

 Shingles: infection of a nerve caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) 

What are the symptoms of post-herpetic neuralgia❓ 

 Pain around the skin affected by shingles 😭 

 Constant burning/ gnawing 

 Sharp pains that come and go 

 Affected skin is very sensitive 

How do you diagnose post-herpetic neuralgia❓ 

 Having classical symptoms 

 Physical examination 🔍 

How do you treat post-herpetic neuralgia❓ 

 Self-care: 

 Wear loose clothing/ fabrics causing the least irritation 👕 

 Cooling the area 

 Cling film over the area (stop clothes irritation) 

 Pain relief: 

 Paracetamol with codeine 💊  

 Antidepressants (tricyclics) medicines 💊 

 Antiepileptic medicines 💊 

 Capsaicin cream 

Why should I worry about post-herpetic neuralgia❓  

 Sleep disturbance 💤 

 Depression 😞