What are the symptoms of post-herpetic neuralgia?
The main symptom of post-herpetic neuralgia is pain in the skin where the shingles rash was. This pain can be:
- Sharp or itching
- Burning
- Aching
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
- Falling asleep hard because of the pain
What causes post-herpetic neuralgia?
Post-herpetic neuralgia happens because the shingles virus affects the nerves in the skin. After shingles, some people may experience ongoing pain in those affected nerves, which doesn’t go away even when the shingles rash clears up.
How common is post-herpetic neuralgia?
Post-herpetic neuralgia can affect older adults more often. Research shows that around 10 to 18 out of every 100 people who have shingles will go on to develop post-herpetic neuralgia.
Who is more likely to get post-herpetic neuralgia?
People who are more likely to develop post-herpetic neuralgia include:
- Older adults, especially those over 60 years old
- People with a weakened immune system
- People who had a severe rash and intense pain during their shingles attack
How can I treat post-herpetic neuralgia?
Treating post-herpetic neuralgia can help manage the pain. Some treatment options include:
- Pain relief medications
- Prescription medications designed for nerve pain
- Creams or patches applied to the skin
- Physical therapy to improve comfort and movement
If you are still suffering from the symptoms of shingles, consider booking an online Pharmacy First consultation with Healthera for diagnosis and treatment, if appropriate.
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Final thoughts
Post-herpetic neuralgia can be a painful condition that comes after shingles, but treatments are available. If you have concerns about your pain, it is essential to speak to your GP or healthcare provider for advice and support.
