Expert's Corner
Overview
In our Expert's Corner, our partner physician, Dr. Christopher Gharibo offers answers to common questions he hears from his patients about shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). You can read through some of the most frequently asked question he has heard.In This Section
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About Dr.Gharibo
Dr. Christopher Gharibo is the Medical Director of Pain Medicine within the Department of Anesthesiology at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. -
Q & A Archive
If you have a question about shingles or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), search here to see if it has been answered.
Featured Questions
What can I do to reduce postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), or after-shingles pain at home?Putting firm pressure at the site may temporarily reduce your PHN pain. Keeping the painful area firmly pressed against a chair back, or keeping a purse clutched tightly against the chest can help some patients relieve pain. Cooling the skin with ice or a cool, wet cloth helps some people, but others prefer warm compresses. Some patients may modify their clothing, by cutting holes around the areas in pain to prevent contact with the skin1. Given that PHN pain affects every patient differently, pain relief methods will vary too. Please talk with your healthcare professional about others way to help reduce PHN pain.
How long does PHN pain usually last?The duration of PHN varies widely. In some patients, it can last for months or even years. However, for many patients, the pain will lessen over time. Furthermore, there are a growing number of PHN pain relief options that are proving to be effective for many patients2. Talk with your healthcare professional to discuss what relief option might be right for you.
Talk to Your Doctor
The PHN Pain Checklist and PHN Pain Management Calendar are tools you can use to help you talk about your pain with your healthcare professional.
Take the Quiz
Poll
Which treatments have you tried for after-shingles pain?
