POST HERPETIC NEURALGIA

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic neuropathic pain condition that lasts 3 months or more after an outbreak of shingles. Herpes zoster, especially acute herpes associated with the reactivation inactivated varicella zoster virus in individuals who have had chickenpox. PHN persistent and often refractory pain. Patients may experience several types pain, including deep intolerable burning, paroxysmal stabbing hyperalgesia, allodynia. Pharmacological treatment include variety drugs, alpha-2 delta ligands (gabapentin pregabalin), other anticonvulsants (carbamazepine), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, doxepin), topical analgesics (5% lidocaine patch, capsaicin) tramadol, opioids. The sizeable side effect profile commonly used oral drugs limits their practical use, combination systemic agents be required for optimal results. Doctors care providers must adapt based on individual patient responses.