Chronic Pain in Shingles Postherpetic neuralgia pain specialist in Pune Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus—it is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. While shingles typically manifests as a painful rash, itching that affects a specific area of the body, it can also lead to long-term complications, including chronic pain. Chronic pain in shingles, also known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), is a condition characterized by persistent pain that lasts even after the rash has healed. This pain can vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to excruciating agony. PHN occurs when the varicella-zoster virus damages nerve fibers during the initial shingles infection, causing them to send exaggerated pain signals to the brain long after the rash has disappeared. Causes The exact mechanisms behind why some individuals develop chronic pain after shingles while others do not is not known. However, several factors contribute to the development of postherpetic neuralgia: 1. Age: older age predisposes more to pain. 2. Severity of Initial Infection: The more severe the shingles outbreak, the greater the likelihood of experiencing chronic pain afterward. 3. Weak Immune System like in cases of HIV/AIDS, diabetes mellitus leads to PHN. Symptoms The hallmark symptom of postherpetic neuralgia is persistent pain in the area previously affected by the shingles rash. This pain can present as burning, stabbing, throbbing, or shooting sensations. Other symptoms may include: - Hypersensitivity to touch - Itching or tingling - Numbness or loss of sensation - Muscle weakness or paralysis in severe cases Treatment: early treatment is the key to success of PHN pain. The best pain specialist in pune can help you manage and cure your herpes pain. 1. Medications: Best Nerve pain specialist doctor in pune will prescribe the combination of medicines to treat your pain 2. Nerve Blocks: Injections of local anaesthetics or steroids around the affected nerves can provide temporary relief from pain. 3. Ultrasound guided dry needling: Our best pain specialist in pune can help you overcome herpes pain with this novel approach which doesn’t require any use of steroids or drugs. Conclusion Chronic pain in shingles, or postherpetic neuralgia, is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can be challenging to manage, with the right combination of treatments and support by our best nerve pain specialist doctor in pune, individuals can find relief and regain control over their lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent pain after a shingles outbreak, don't hesitate to visit our best nerve pain specialist doctor in pune. With proper care and understanding, it's possible to alleviate suffering and improve overall quality of life.