How to treat post-herpetic neuralgia from shingles
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, often refers to the condition characterized by painful rashes and blisters. Postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles, may be caused by factors such as advanced age, mental stress, delayed treatment of shingles, severe nerve damage, or a weakened immune system. Patients can visit a reputable hospital to consider treatment options such as general care and medication to alleviate symptoms. A detailed explanation is as follows:
The term "she chan yao tong pao zhen" usually refers to herpes zoster (shingles). Generally, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a complication of shingles, may be caused by factors such as advanced age, mental anxiety, delayed treatment of shingles, severe nerve damage, and low immunity. Patients can visit a正规 hospital to choose from general treatments and medication to improve their condition. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Advanced Age
Older individuals have weakened nerve repair capabilities, making it difficult for nerve damage caused by the varicella-zoster virus to recover, thus predisposing to long-term neuralgia. In daily life, it is important to keep warm and avoid chilling the painful area. Patients can distract themselves from the pain by listening to music or chatting, while also ensuring sufficient sleep to promote physical recovery.
2. Mental Anxiety
Prolonged mental anxiety increases nervous system sensitivity, intensifying pain perception and impairing nerve repair, thereby prolonging the duration of pain. Patients should learn to adjust their mindset and relieve anxiety through techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Psychological counseling may be necessary to maintain emotional stability.
3. Low Immunity
Low immunity prevents the body from effectively suppressing viral replication, making nerve damage difficult to repair and resulting in prolonged neuralgia. Patients can engage in mild physical activities such as walking or tai chi to strengthen their constitution. Under a physician's guidance, transfer factor oral solution may be used to regulate immunity. A balanced diet rich in protein should also be maintained.
4. Delayed Treatment of Shingles
Failure to treat shingles promptly allows the virus to continuously damage nerves, leading to chronic inflammation and resulting in postherpetic neuralgia. Once shingles is diagnosed, early treatment is necessary. When pain occurs, medications such as gabapentin capsules, pregabalin capsules, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used under medical supervision to relieve pain.
5. Severe Nerve Damage
Extensive replication of the varicella-zoster virus causes serious damage to nerve fibers, leading to abnormal nerve conduction and persistent severe pain. Under medical guidance, medications such as mecobalamin tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, or oxycodone-acetaminophen tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.
In daily life, patients should maintain clean skin and avoid rubbing or irritating the painful areas. A bland diet should be followed, avoiding spicy or irritating foods. If pain worsens, prompt medical consultation is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.
