What is Post Herpetic Neuralgia? — Causes and Symptoms
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a type of chronic pain that can develop after an episode of shingles (herpes zoster). The risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia increases with age and the severity of the initial shingles episode. Individuals who experience severe shingles pain are more likely to develop PHN. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent pain after shingles, it’s important to go for herpetic neuralgia treatment in Coimbatore. It shows a variety of symptoms in patients. Let’s check some of the symptoms.
Symptoms of Postherpetic Neuralgia:
Persistent Pain — The hallmark symptom of PHN is chronic, persistent pain in the area where the shingles rash occurred. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be described as burning, stabbing, aching, or shooting.
Sensitivity to Touch — The affected skin may become extremely sensitive to touch, even to the point where clothing or a gentle breeze can trigger discomfort.
Itching and Numbness — Some individuals with PHN may experience itching or numbness in the affected area.
Allodynia — Allodynia refers to the experience of pain from stimuli that wouldn’t normally cause pain, such as light touch or even clothing brushing against the skin.
Hypersensitivity — The affected area may become hypersensitive to temperature changes, making exposure to heat or cold uncomfortable or painful.
Reduced Quality of Life — Chronic pain from PHN can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to sleep disturbances, mood changes (such as depression or anxiety), and difficulty performing daily activities.
Duration — PHN is defined as pain that persists for more than three months after the shingles rash has healed.
Causes of Postherpetic Neuralgia:
While most people who experience shingles recover fully without complications, some individuals may go on to develop PHN. Treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) focuses on managing the chronic pain that persists after a shingles outbreak.
Nerve Damage:
During a shingles outbreak, the varicella-zoster virus can damage nerve fibers in the affected area. Even after the shingles rash has healed, the damaged nerves may continue to send abnormal pain signals to the brain, resulting in persistent pain characteristic of PHN.
Inflammation:
The inflammation caused by the shingles infection can lead to changes in nerve function and structure. This inflammation may play a role in the development of chronic pain in the post-acute phase.
Age:
The risk of developing PHN increases with age. Older individuals are more likely to experience postherpetic neuralgia, possibly due to age-related changes in nerve function and the immune system’s response.
The severity of Shingles:
The severity of the initial shingles episode can influence the likelihood of developing PHN. Individuals who experience more intense pain during the acute phase of shingles are at a higher risk of developing persistent pain afterward.
Immunocompromised States:
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with certain medical conditions (like HIV/AIDS) or undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, are more susceptible to both shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.
Location of Shingles Rash:
The location of the shingles rash can also impact the risk of PHN. Shingles affecting the face and head may have a higher likelihood of leading to postherpetic neuralgia.
Genetic Predisposition:
Genetic factors may play a role in an individual’s susceptibility to PHN. Some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to developing persistent pain after a shingles outbreak.
Closing thoughts:
Postherpetic neuralgia treatment plans are often designed to each individual’s specific needs. Consulting the postherpetic neuralgia specialist in Coimbatore can provide the best treatment options and early diagnosis. They can offer various approaches that can help alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for those affected.
