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Have Had Shingles. What Is Causing This And Required Treatment?
Posted on
Fri, 15 Feb 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 15 Feb 2013
Answered on
Fri, 8 Mar 2013
Last reviewed on
Question : I have had shingles 4years ago,and am still having much irritation.Have investigated Eurax,please would you give
me your advice
me your advice
Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
You are experiencing what is called post herpetic neuralgia, where the pain , irritation and discomfort persists for years after having an outbreak of shingles.
It is more common in elderly people ( > 60 years ) and if your immune system is slightly compromised.
You have the following treatment options :
Tricyclic antidepressants and/or gabapentin are extremely effective, if the discomfort is severe, however these are prescription drugs, and you would have to consult your treating physician before starting these. Lignocaine patches also might help. For severe pain, morphine is considered.
For minor discomfort, aspirin in cream or ointment form is useful, Capsaicin cream ( Zostrix ) also helps.
Painkillers like indomethacin, acupuncture , cryocautery, intra thecal steroid injections are other modalities which maybe tried out.
Eurax is useful in treating the acute rash, but of not much proven benefit in post herpetic neuralgia.
Vitamin E supplements will help.
FOr choosing the correct medication, you need to consult your prescribe accordingly.
Please take care, and all the best.
You are experiencing what is called post herpetic neuralgia, where the pain , irritation and discomfort persists for years after having an outbreak of shingles.
It is more common in elderly people ( > 60 years ) and if your immune system is slightly compromised.
You have the following treatment options :
Tricyclic antidepressants and/or gabapentin are extremely effective, if the discomfort is severe, however these are prescription drugs, and you would have to consult your treating physician before starting these. Lignocaine patches also might help. For severe pain, morphine is considered.
For minor discomfort, aspirin in cream or ointment form is useful, Capsaicin cream ( Zostrix ) also helps.
Painkillers like indomethacin, acupuncture , cryocautery, intra thecal steroid injections are other modalities which maybe tried out.
Eurax is useful in treating the acute rash, but of not much proven benefit in post herpetic neuralgia.
Vitamin E supplements will help.
FOr choosing the correct medication, you need to consult your prescribe accordingly.
Please take care, and all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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