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How to Prevent Post Herpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of shingles (also known as herpes zoster), a condition caused by a flareup of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV, the same virus that causes chickenpox). Although there is no 100-percent-effective method of preventing the development of PHN, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from this condition, which can lead to long-lasting and very severe pain.

Things You'll Need

  • Chickenpox and shingles vaccinations
  • Corticosteroids as prescribed by a doctor
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Instructions

  1. Preventing Postherpetic Neuralgia

    • 1

      Be vaccinated against chickenpox. This is, according to the Mayo Clinic's website, a standard part of childhood vaccinations and offers protection against the varicella-zoster virus. While most are completely protected by vaccination, the ones who do contract the disease still benefit by experiencing a milder form of it. A person who does not contract VZV cannot develop shingles or, therefore, postherpetic neuralgia. Note that, for adults, the chickenpox vaccine is recommended only for those who have never had chickenpox and who have not been vaccinated.

    • 2

      Get the shingles vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the shingles vaccine reduces your chances of developing shingles by about 50 percent and reduces the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. by 67 percent. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over the age of 60 who are in good health, are not pregnant and are not allergic to any part of the vaccine; common allergens in the vaccine include gelatin and neomycin (an antibiotic).

    • 3

      Use prescription oral corticosteroid medications as directed by your doctor in the event of a shingles outbreak. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the use of oral corticosteroids, which control nerve inflammation, during active shingles may reduce a person's chances of developing postherpetic neuralgia. Treatment with corticosteroids lasts for three weeks.

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