Fakta Disemak oleh Hello Doktor Medical Panel
Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, which is caused by the chickenpox (herpes zoster) virus. Postherpetic neuralgia affects nerve fibers and skin, causing burning pain that lasts long after the rash and blisters of shingles disappear.
It’s estimated up to one in every five people with shingles will go on to develop post-herpetic neuralgia, and older people are particularly at risk. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
The common symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia are:
There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
You should contact your doctor if you have any of the following:
Often the pain starts before you notice a rash. Your risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia is lessened if you begin taking antiviral medications within 72 hours of developing the shingles rash.
Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus remains in your body for the rest of your life. 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. Damaged fibers can’t send messages from your skin to your brain as they normally do. Instead, the messages become confused and exaggerated, causing chronic, often excruciating pain that can last months — or even years.
There are many risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia, such as:
You had shingles on your face or torso.
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
Your doctor will examine your skin, possibly touching it in places to determine the borders of the affected area.
In most cases, no tests are necessary.
Many people with post-herpetic neuralgia make a full recovery within a year of developing the condition. But occasionally the nerves do not heal completely and symptoms last for several years or permanently.
Medication can ease the symptoms of post-herpetic neuralgia, although they may not relieve the pain completely.
As post-herpetic neuralgia generally doesn’t respond to standard painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, alternative medications will need to be prescribed.
These will often be medications originally intended to treat depression (antidepressants) or epilepsy (anticonvulsants), but have since been found to also be effective in relieving nerve pain.
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with postherpetic neuralgia:
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Penafian
Hello Health Group tidak menawarkan nasihat perubatan, diagnosis atau rawatan.
Fakta Disemak oleh
Hello Doktor Medical Panel
Komen
Kongsi komen anda
Ayuh jadi yang pertama untuk memberi komen!
Sertai Kami atau Log Masuk untuk menghantar komen