AfterShingles.com – Shingles Symptoms, Treatment and Pain Management


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Experts Corner

Q & A Archive

What can be done to reduce the risk of PHN?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment that will definitely prevent the occurrence of PHN. However, studies have shown that antiviral medication taken within 72 hours after the appearance of the rash can lessen the severity and duration of shingles and may reduce the possibility of getting PHN in the future1. A shingles vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2006 and is currently recommended by the CDC for adults age 60 and older in the U.S.2

Talk to Your Doctor

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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.

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Do you have the facts to identify if you or your loved one suffers from shingles or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

1
Cluff RS, Rowbotham MC. Pain caused by herpes zoster infection. Neurol Clin.1998; 16(4):813-832.
2
Shingles Vaccine: What You Need to Know. Department of Health and Human Services: Centers for Disease Control. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-shingles.pdf. Accessed February 20, 2009.