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Have Had Shingles. What Is Causing This And Required Treatment?

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Posted on Fri, 8 Mar 2013
Question: I have had shingles 4years ago,and am still having much irritation.Have investigated Eurax,please would you give
me your advice
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (31 minutes later)
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.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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Have Had Shingles. What Is Causing This And Required Treatment?

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.