Experts Corner

Putting firm pressure at the site of pain 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.