If you've ever had chicken pox you are carrying a virus called varicella zoster or, shingles. The virus lives on in the nerve cells of your body where it can remain dormant for many years. The aging process, as well as stress, weakens the immune system and can trigger shingles. It is exhibited as a painful, ridge-like rash and may take as long as a month to subside. Postherpetic neuralgia can result. This is a painful condition of the rash-effected area lasting for many years. Fortunately, there is relief for those sufferers.
Easing the Pain
If you suffer from postherpetic neuralgia then pain management is part of your life. Applying pressure to the afflicted area will ease the pain. For example, if your back is bothering you, sitting in a firm chair with a straight, solid back will apply pressure needed to ease the discomfort. If your affected area is on the chest, a good hard cover book clutched tightly over the area can ease the discomfort. If you're a woman using your bag can do the trick.
Cool Cloths
A cold or warm compress placed on the painful area can soothe the skin and ease the pain. If you suffer from postherpetic neuralgia, consider wearing loose fitting, smooth material instead of rough, tight-fitting clothes which can irritate your skin.
Pain Meds
Zovirax, Valtrex and Famvir are three medications available that help treat shingles. These can be prescribed by your doctor. The sooner you start treatment, the better the chances of shortening the disease and perhaps preventing any post-shingles pain. If however, postherpetic neuralgia arises, over-the-counter pain medicines like Tylenol or Advil may treat the effected area.
Vaccine
Approximately one-third of the population has the shingles virus, states The Centers for Disease Control. The risk of suffering from shingles rises after the age of 50, but increases after 60. Fortunately the vaccine Zostavax is believed to greatly reduce the risk of shingles and its after effects. It is recommended for persons 60 and older.
Risks
You should not take Zostavax if you are allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic Neomycin. If you have other conditions, such as HIV, AIDS, cancer and undergoing radiation or chemo or any type of cancer affecting bone marrow, you should not take the vaccine. Vaccines are appealing as a quick solution to a long-term problem, but in the case of postherpetic neuralgia, there are alternatives and in many cases, they work.
Tags: postherpetic neuralgia, ease discomfort, ease pain, from postherpetic, from postherpetic neuralgia
