SHINGLES & POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA

SHINGLES
Varicella Zoster Virus is the pathogen responsible for causing Chicken Pox. After the acute event, the virus may reside in the sensory nerves and remain dormant for a long period of time. Under certain circumstances (eg. stress, immunosuppression or aging), the virus may reactivate. The virus then travels along the sensory nerve fibers towards the skin. Nerve inflammation also occurs as a result of the virus reactivation. 

DIAGNOSIS OF SHINGLES

• Rash on one side of the body or the face
• Rash usually presents as blisters initially and crust over (similar to chicken pox)
• Tingling type pain can occur prior to rash appearance
• Fever, Headache, Fatigue, Chills

TREATMENT OF SHINGLES

• Antiviral medications can be helpful it is started soon after symptoms begin
• Pain-relieving medications
• Cover blisters until they are crusted over. 
• Do not scratch the blisters as they can become infected by bacteria on the skin
• Prevent spread of the disease by washing your hands frequently
• In rare cases, the disease can be severe and cause critical illness such as pneumonia of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

POST-HERPETIC NEURALGIA
Some individuals develop a long-lasting pain condition called postherpetic neuralgia after having an episode of shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia is more common in older persons. Early treatment of shingles with an antiviral medication may help prevent postherpetic neuralgia.

Treatment of Post-herpetic Neuralgia includes:

• Nerve Pain Medications
• Minimally Invasive Interventions to reduce nerve pain
• Desensitization treatment
• Prevention of future episodes of Shingles

It is important to seek help early to prevent the complications of Shingles.
Dr Christopher Liu is able to help you at all stages of this disease.