How long does postherpetic neuralgia last after shingles?
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can last for weeks, months, or in some people, years after the shingles rash goes away. In most people, shingles pain goes away in one to three months. However, in one in five people, pain lasts more than one year.
Is post-herpetic neuralgia the same as shingles?
Postherpetic neuralgia is a painful condition that affects the nerve fibers and skin. It is a complication of shingles, and shingles is a complication of chicken pox. If the pain caused by shingles continues after the bout of shingles is over, it is known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
What is the difference between neuralgia and shingles?
The varicella zoster virus causes both chickenpox and shingles. In post-herpetic neuralgia, the virus causes inflammation of the nerves under the skin of the affected area. Neuralgia is a medical term for pain resulting from nerve inflammation or damage.
What causes post-herpetic neuralgia to flare up?
PHN is triggered by shingles which is triggered by chicken pox. Some think of shingles as adult (or mature) chicken pox and while it’s true both shingles and chicken pox are caused by varicella-zoster virus—a common infection of the nerves—that’s pretty much where the similarity ends.
How do you get rid of postherpetic neuralgia?
Certain anti-seizure medications, including gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica), can lessen the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. These medications stabilize abnormal electrical activity in your nervous system caused by injured nerves.
Is postherpetic neuralgia serious?
Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common shingles complication. It occurs when a shingles outbreak damages the nerves. The damaged nerves can’t send messages from the skin to the brain, and the messages become confused. This results in chronic, severe pain that can last for months.
Can you get postherpetic neuralgia without shingles?
This is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). One case study suggests that people who have shingles without a rash are more likely to develop PHN than people who have the rash. If you have a weakened immune system and shingles without a rash, you also may be more likely to have shingles again.
What triggers shingles nerve pain?
Shingles affects the nerves As you age or if your immune system is suppressed, such as from medications or chemotherapy, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia occurs if your nerve fibers are damaged during an outbreak of shingles.
What foods should be avoided with postherpetic neuralgia?
A healthy immune system is important in fighting the shingles virus, and that means a healthy, balanced diet plays a role. Avoid unhealthy foods with low nutrition content including fast foods, fried foods, processed foods, foods high in saturated fat, alcohol, foods high in sugar, and foods made with white flour.
Is exercise good for postherpetic neuralgia?
Exercise in moderation. Regular exercise can help you increase your daily activities because it can improve muscle strength and reduce your pain and other PHN symptoms. Work with a physical therapist and/or personal trainer to get you started on an exercise plan for PHN.