
What Does Intense Flank Pain While Recovering From Shingles Indicate?

Question... Should I be concerned about the bulge? Second, when would you expect the intense pain to dissipate? Thanks.
can last a varied length of time
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The large bulge or swelling that you notice is part of the body's inflammatory response to any irritation.
It would resolve with or soon after the lesions.
In terms of the pain, it is hard to say when it would dissipate.
This can vary, some persons have resolution of the pain along with the rash but in others it can persist. This is called post herpetic neuralgia.
This is the presence of pain long after the shingles rash has gone.
In addition to your anti viral and pain medication, additional medication may be needed.
Since shingles pain is due to the effect of the virus on the nerves, medication can be used to decrease nerve related pain
Meds such as gapapentin, tegretol, lyrica, amitriptyline , nortriptyline, duloxetine
These meds were originally classified as anti seizure or anti depressant meds but they have been found to be very useful in treating nerve pain in persons who do NOT have seizures or depression.
Your doctor can consider adding one of these to your regimen temporarily to help with the pain
Some persons only have the pain for a few days after rash, in others it may be a slow resolution but the above meds are usually very helpful.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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