How to treat postherpetic neuralgia

Shingles is a skin disease that is relatively common in the human body. When people suffer from this disease, it will cause many adverse effects, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which is a very common one. This situation is very disturbing and has a great impact on people's lives. Faced with this situation, people also hope to be able to treat it in time through some treatment methods. Here is how to treat it?

treat

[Treatment policy]

The treatment of this disease is mainly analgesic and antiviral therapy, assisted by physical therapy to relieve pain.

[Drug treatment]

1. Treatment of neuralgia (1) Corticosteroids: Take prednisone orally at an initial dose of 30 mg/day. Gradually reduce the dose after it becomes clearly effective (approximately 7 to 10 days). (2) Local blockade with triamcinolone suspension: 1 ml (10 mg) of triamcinolone suspension plus 4 to 8 ml of 0.5% to 1% procaine or lidocaine injection is injected subcutaneously at the affected nerve once a week. For example, the intercostal nerve can also be injected into the intercostal space of the affected nerve 3 to 4 cm beside the spine. (3) Analgesic carbamazepine (0.1 g/tablet): initially take half a tablet each time, and gradually increase to 3 times a day, 1 tablet each time, with obvious analgesic effect. However, attention should be paid to leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia, rash, and changes in liver and kidney function. It is contraindicated for patients with a history of atrioventricular block and bone marrow suppression. 2. Antiviral treatment: Apply antiviral drugs as early as possible. Acyclovir is usually taken orally, and patients with impaired renal function need to reduce the dose. 3. Nerve nutrition drugs: Vitamin B1 is commonly taken orally and vitamin B12 is injected intramuscularly.

[Other treatments]

1. Ultraviolet rays: Use medium-wave ultraviolet rays (UVB) to irradiate the lesions to promote drying and scabbing of the lesions. 2. Infrared or ultra-short waves: irradiating the affected area can help relieve pain. 3. Mainly use Chinese medicine for internal use combined with plum blossom needle, fire needle, cupping and bloodletting therapy.

Symptoms and diagnosis

[Typical symptoms]

1. The rash is mostly distributed along a peripheral nerve: the intercostal nerves are the most common, often involving 2 to 3 intercostal nerve distribution areas. The rash extends from the upper back to the lower front, consistent with the nerve distribution area, generally not exceeding the midline, and there is severe pain before the rash appears. 2. Herpes zoster without rash: There is no herpes, but there is typical local peripheral neuralgia, which is more common in intercostal neuralgia; neuralgia and paralysis may also occur in the distribution area of ​​cranial nerves, and the course of the disease may last for 2 weeks.

[Diagnosis basis]

1. Clinically, severe pain occurs in the distribution area of ​​the nerves affected by herpes zoster. 2. Combine blood routine, urine routine, stool routine, X-ray and other examinations to assist in diagnosis.

treat

Shingles is usually treated with medication, including antiviral drugs and pain relievers. If you suspect you have shingles, see your doctor right away. Taking antiviral medicines early can help the rash heal faster and reduce pain. If shingles is very painful, you may need to be prescribed pain medication. Good home care can also help reduce symptoms more quickly.

Shingles can usually be cured. However, early treatment is still needed because it can shorten the course of the disease and prevent complications. Treatment options include:

Antiviral drugs: They can reduce the pain and duration of shingles.

Pain relievers, antidepressants, and topical creams: can relieve chronic pain.

Neurotrophic drugs