Post-Herpetic Neuralgia Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia may come in the form of Argon, Combi or Low Energy laser therapy. These modes of treatment have achieved varying levels of success for the neuralgia, or nerve pain, caused by the varicella zoster virus, commonly known as shingles. As a more modern and faster alternative to traditional treatments for post-herpetic neuralgia, laser treatment is a relatively new entry in the field.

Argon laser treatment

• Argon lasers pass only through top layers of tissue in the skin. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses argon laser light to activate chemicals in the skin cells affected by the varicella zoster virus. PDT uses a drug, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular type of light. When photosensitizers are exposed to a specific wavelength of light, they produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells. Argon laser is applied up to the point where you experience stinging or burning, also called the tolerance point for a patient. When used in combination with capsaicin cream, argon laser therapy has reduced post-herpetic neuralgia and allowed for a more normal sensory and pain perception in patients. Argon laser has also increased pain threshold when used with capsaicin.

Combi laser treatment

• Combi laser activates macrophages, or white blood cells used for immunity, within skin cells to help reduce inflammation as well as increasing ATP, the molecule used to store and transfer energy within a cell, to promote healing activity. Combi laser therapy is implemented by aiming a light from close range directly at the post-herpetic skin using a probe that resembles a pen. During the procedure you may be asked to wear dark glasses and a lead sheet for your protection. Studies have proven that Combi laser therapy provides full or partial relief to a majority of patients after about 15 to 20 exposures. Patients have reported feeling less pain with few or no side effects.

Low Energy laser treatment

• Low-level lasers are used to stimulate cell function. Also called bio-stimulating lasers or Low Intensity Lasers, their biological effect is not thermal, unlike surgical lasers. The light of the Low Level Lasers causes chemical reactions in the skin cells, leading to normalization of cell function, decreased pain and tissue healing. Using a neonbased laser, low-energy laser therapy is viewed as a starting point for laser therapy in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia. Based on study data, low energy laser therapy has an approximate success rate of 60 percent following about 15 exposures to treatment in people with post-herpetic neuralgia.