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Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of Herpes Zoster also known as Shingles. Herpes Zoster is a viral infection caused by reactivation of Varicella Zoster virus (it is the same virus that causes Chicken Pox). Herpes Zoster is characterized by painful rash or blisters (fluid-filled bumps) on skin. The rash will only be on one side of the body, either right or left, in a particular area in a band like pattern. If the pain of Herpes Zoster continues for more than three months in the affected skin areas after the skin rash has healed, then it is known as Post Herpetic Neuralgia. In one out of five people who get infected by Herpes Zoster, the person will have nerve pain following the healing of rash. The pain may vary from discomfort to severe, stabbing pain. Along with pain, burning, increased sensitivity, weakness of affected skin area may also arise. The pain may continue for weeks, months or even a year after the rash has healed. Homeopathic medicines for Post Herpetic Neuralgia are deep acting remedies that can help resolve the problem. 
Homeopathic Treatment Of Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Homeopathy is highly effective in treating neuralgic complaints i.e. nerve pain. As a first step, Homeopathy controls the intensity and frequency of pain in Post Herpetic Neuralgia. Then the medicines work to remove the chronic pain. The burning sensation, hypersensitivity associated with this condition also heals with the administration of homeopathic remedies. Apart from PHN, other kind of nerve pains that find proper treatment in homeopathy include sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, and intercostal neuralgia.
Top Homeopathic Medicines For Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
The top most recommended homeopathic medicines to treat PHN are Mezereum, Ranunculus Bulbosus and Rhus Tox.
1. Mezereum – For Postherpetic Neuralgia With Intense Burning
Mezereum is rated among the best medicines for Post Herpetic Neuralgia. It is the best-suited prescription when PHN pains are violent and are attended with marked burning sensation. Mezereum is the most helpful among medicines for PHN in relieving post-herpetic pains on the face. The pain in the face may get worse while eating. Warmth brings relief. Mezereum also helps during active Herpes Zoster when eruptions arise on the skin. The key symptoms to look out for before prescribing Mezereum during Herpes Zoster infection are violently itching vesicles with shining red areola and intense burning.
2. Ranunculus Bulbosus – For Pains Coming In Paroxysms (sudden attack)
Another prominently indicated medicine for PHN is Ranunculus Bulbosus. It is indicated for sharp, shooting PHN pains that come in paroxysms. It is also one of the top listed medicines for intercostal neuralgia following herpetic infection. Ranunculus Bulbosus is also indicated for Herpes Zoster when the vesicle eruptions are bluish in color. The eruptions are attended with itching and burning symptoms which worsen on contact.
3. Rhus Tox – One Of The Best Medicines For Postherpetic Neuralgia
Rhus Tox also figures on the list of highly effective medicines for Post Herpetic Neuralgia. It is one of the best medicines for PHN where the pains are attended with marked restlessness. The skin is sensitive to cold air in such cases. In Herpes Zoster, Rhus Tox is the most preferred among medicines when the vesicles are yellowish with itching and stinging.
4. Arsenic Album – To Manage Burning Sort of Nerve Pains
Arsenic Album is a highly recommended medicine when a person complains of burning pains after healing of Herpes Zoster eruptions. The burning pain is very severe at night. Arsenic Album is also given to manage itching on the skin. Restlessness can attend these symptoms. It is also indicated to manage active Herpes Zoster outbreak when marked burning pain is felt in the eruptions. These eruptions might be covered with scales like fish scales in most of the cases.
5. Dolichos – To Manage Skin Itching Without Any Rash Or Eruptions
Dolichos is yet another natural remedy to relieve Post Herpetic Nerve pains. Besides relieving pains, it can also be used to manage skin itching occurring without any rash or eruptions. For Herpes Zoster, this medicine is mostly indicated when eruptions begin in the armpit, especially on the left side that spreads to the sternum (bone in middle of chest) and to the spine. It is accompanied by smarting and burning sort of pain.
6. Merc Sol – For Burning Sensation On Touching Affected Skin Area
Merc Sol is useful for burning sensation felt on the affected skin when it is touched. In case of herpes eruptions, it can be given when eruptions tend to be filled with pus with intense itching and burning. The eruptions may spread from the back to the abdomen.
7. Zincum Met – Great Nerve Remedy To Manage Nerve Pain
Zincum Met is a magnificent medicine to manage nerve pains related to various problems. In case of Herpes Zoster, it is usually used when lancinating pains in eruptions occur. Following healing of eruptions, the nerve pain continues. The eruptions may show tendency to suppurate (pus formation).
What Are The Symptoms Of PHN?
The symptoms appear on the skin area affected with Herpes Zoster eruptions and are usually one sided.
1. Pain after rash of Herpes Zoster has healed – Pain remains for 3 months or more. In some cases, it may last for one year or more. Pain can be aching, sharp, stabbing, throbbing, electric shock like, or burning on nature. The pain can be continuous or intermittent. Pain may get worse at night or from cold or hot temperature.
2. Even slightest touch on the affected area is painful, this area may also be sensitive to cold air.
3. Numbness, tingling or itching on affected skin region, though it is not very common
4. Very rarely muscle weakness and tremors occur, if the affected nerve involved controls muscle movement too
5. Scarring on skin on affected area may be seen
What Are The Causes Behind Post Herpetic Neuralgia?
Post Herpetic Neuralgia, as mentioned in the beginning, is a complication of Herpes Zoster. Herpes Zoster is a viral disease leading to painful skin eruptions caused by varicella-zoster virus. Varicella Zoster virus is the virus that causes chicken pox when a person gets infected with this virus initially for the first time. Though the person recovers from chicken pox within weeks, the virus remains in the nerve cells in an inactive state. This virus can reactivate anytime it finds a suitable environment like low immunity, some sort of medicines, etc. When the dormant virus gets reactivated, it leads to Herpes Zoster or Shingles with painful skin eruptions. The Herpes Zoster rash resolves within two to four weeks’ time. In some cases, even after the skin eruptions completely resolve, the pain continues for months or years together. This nerve pain that persists for more than three months is referred to as Post Herpetic Neuralgia. The PHN results from damage to nerve fibres caused by Herpes Zoster virus. As a result of damaged nerve fibers, the message of transmission from skin to brain cannot be passed normally. This nerve gets muddled resulting in the transmission of random pain signals to brain when pain is burning excruciating type.
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk of PHN as follows:
1. Old age: The risk of PHN increases with age. Those above 50 yrs of age are at risk, PHN is rare under 40 yrs of age.
2. Herpes Zoster on the face or trunk (body part except head, neck and limbs)
3. Weak immune system: Immnuity of the body may be compromised due to certain medical conditions like cancer, HIV or certain medications like steroids, chemotherapy, immunosuppressant medicines.
4. If intensity of skin rash was highly intense
5. Women are more at risk than men
6. Diabetes
Complications
The long lasting pain can lead to tiredness, problems with sleep, poor appetite, depression and poor concentration.
Diagnosis
It can be diagnosed based on the set of symptoms provided by the sufferer along with a history of Shingles. No tests are required in most cases to confirm diagnosis of Post Herpetic Neuralgia.
I am suffering from PHN for 5 years, l am 77 years, please suggest me home medicine.
please can you adviser me best homeopathic medicine for Postherpetic Neuralgia. I am 63 yrs old male. The nerve pain is always there and the burning and constant itching.
Dear Dr. Sharma, I was diagnosed with herpes zoster in February 2014. After the initial painful rash the pain never stopped. I was diagnosed with post hepatic neuralgia. It has been 5 and one half years with constant pain in my right shoulder, neck and back. I have had 5 nerve blocks, acupuncture, tens, light therapy, touch therapy, every pharmacy drug that you can think of. I currently get acupuncture and massage every week. I am a 65 year old male in excellent health except pain. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you for your time.
We would like to know the same please
Dear Dr. Sharma
I had Harpes along the right shoulder and neck ,soulder front as well as back. It is two months now still I have pain in the nurve and unable to sleep at night. It was shining red before forming blisters. And pouring hot water over the soulder gives relief to me , as per you description Mezereum is my medicine but at what potency and doses.
Regards
Ajay Ghosh
Can you adviser please best homeopathic medicine for both constant shingles and phn. I am 82 yrs old. Female. Also suffer from osteoarthritis. The nerve pain is always there and the burning and constant itching.
I had herpes joster for last one year. Now I am suffering from PHN please Advise best homeo medicine.
Dr.Sharma,
I am 78 years old. I have PHN (Post Herpetic Neuaralgia with pains coming in paro
oxysms
Dear Doctor, I had an attack of herpes in the month of October 17. The eruptions were clear within a weeks time but the pain is still continuing.Could you please suggest me some medicine so that I am relieved of their problem.
My father is suffering from prosthetic neuralgia from last 1 year. He is getting pain one side in forehead area.we were using gabapentin other medicine combinations prescribed by neurologist. But pain and itching is not controlled. Do we have any treatment to reduce pain and cure postherpitc neuralgia ?
Hello Dr. Sharma my Mother In Law aged 69 years is suffering from post herpes neuralgia since last two months in the lumbar region. The pain is severe and unbearable…..so I request you to please suggest some medicine and its consumption dosage. For your kind information she is a CKD paitient who undergoes dialysis twice a week since November 2016 and also had undergone bypass surgery in Feb 2016. She is diabetic since last 15 years and also suffers from thyroid dysfunction.
I am suffering from post herpes zoster pain since last few days. The blisters have subsided with anti viral medicine and local ointment , but I have intense burning pain at the site , the left chest front and back & middle at the back, even touching is very painful, I can’t wear a dress properly.
I am 63 years old female and having thyroid, blood sugar & Np problem though controlled with allopathy medicines. since 12 years,
I am suffering from post herpes zoster pain since last few days. The blisters have subsided with anti viral medicine and local ointment , but I have intense burning pain at the site , the left chest front and back & middle at the back, even touching is very painful, I can’t wear a dress properly.
I am 63 years old female and having thyroid, blood sugar & bp problem though controlled with allopathy medicines. since 12 years,
Dear sir, my father ,aged about 85 years, suffered from herpes zoster in the month of January 2018 on the right side of face.now he is complaining about post herpetic pain and itching in that area.What can be the best treatment for this in Homeopathy? Please suggest
Am 74 yrs.old and pure veggie. Was suffering from herpes on the right chest in the year 2012, and then it got converted into PHN under right chest and since then suffering from PHN. Also am a patient of ulcerative colitis since last 50 years. Sometimes, though rarely, blood also comes with stool. Want treatment of PHN. For ulc.colitis taking ROWASA.
I am suffering from herpes zoster since 10 th may. The blisters have subsided with anti viral medicine and local ointment , but I have intense burning pain at the site , the left chest front and back , the left side of face and neck.even touching is very painful, I can’t wear a shirt.
I am 66 years old male and suffering from generalized myasthenia since 2 years, so most of the allopathy medicines are contraindicated.
I have stabing and burning pain and intractable itching, I am crying in frustration , doctors say, it is post herpetic neuralgia and may last long.
Please suggest me any homeopathic medicines and oblige. Thank you
I am 63 year. Safring herpise from last20 months allopathy and homeopaths but still pain,stiffness in nerves and touch sansaistion .please advise
In Feb month I am suffering herpes zoster on my back and waist area but nerves pain not remove on this area please advice sir
Dear Doctor,
I had suffered from herpes zoster about 40 days back .Herpes zoster virus attacked my left eyes,scalp and forehead. It all started with left eye infection for which eye doctor prescribed antibiotic eye drops. There was no rash or skin eruptions. As soon as I started using eye drops I got more pain and some skin eruptions /lesions on my scalp and fore head. I thought It is allergic .Next day I went eye hospital they declared it is erpic zoster(opthalmia) and provided necessary treatment with in 24 hours. Dermotologist and neurologist also started treatment within 24 hours. within 10 days things were in good shape. After that conguvities attacked both the eyes. One of the neuro medicine was allergic to me and burnt my throat, lips and mouth.I was not in any position to open mouth for 15 days. I lost about 12 kgs and had post herpes pains on my scalp,eye brows and lost sleeping metabolism. I used to get only sleep for one to two hours in the night. I stopped neuro tablet and other alternative provided by doctor. Now i AM HAVING SLEEP FOR 1 TO 2 HOURS in a frequency of one hour. I have burning sensation, pain, little itching on my eye brow,scalp, forehead on virus attacked spots. Pl advice How I can come out of this post herpes trauma asap. thanks subramanya
Hi Doc sahab ,
I had suffered with herpes zoster on half face and scalp part , main medicin i took OCUVIR 1200 MG for 7 days then 3 days i took 800 mg , now its cured but the post herpes nuralgia is too much painfull .
Effected arem till now with pain , eitching , high sensation , tickling , itching , mainly too much in eye .
What should i do , i am too much worried ,
please advise is it curable ????? how muchtime it will take ? please doc sahab advise me …..
Thanks
Funny how this “Dr.” has yet to answer even one of the question under the comments section…..
Thats because he is an Indian..highly competent but lethargic where TIME OF THE ESSENCE JUST DOES NOT EXIST IN HIS MODUS OPERANDI. There is a very good chance that the doc is shaking his head side to side wondering what his next move will be.
My Shingles started 4 weeks ago followed by the rash 1 week later, although the rash is going now I am still experiencing intense pain. The affected area is my right hip with numbness covering the whole area and is very sore and tender. The greater pain is in my hip bone with shooting dull and sharp stabbing pains travelling down my groin and into my stomach.
What remedy would you recommend for the intense pain please. Dont know if this is relevant but I am 73 years of age but very fit
I got the shingles on May 1 2009. I have had post herpetic neuralgia since then. The only thing(s) that have worked for me was a Tens unit with 4 pads. I kept it on too long, so my tissue started becoming almost degraded, so I quit that. The other thing that worked was acupuncture, but only when the needles were actually in me.
All of this other “crap” has been a waste of money and hope.
I have somewhat adapted to the pain, though it is likely the same as it was 9 years ago.
On Gabapentin, but would have to take literally thousands of milligrams to even touch this.
I have found that anything that occurs within the affected dermatome, inside or on the skin causes the symptoms to flair up. I hate this crap, especially when doctors say it is a hypersensitivity,…no, it isn’t, it varies from pain to stabbing pain. Shirts, air from the ceiling fan, sheets, showers, peristalsis, being touched, skin tags,…….and the list of what causes pain goes on and on.
I wish all of you luck in your endeavors,…just allow yourself to be humbled or all of this is just a painful waste…..Thanks
My wife suffered harpes zoster,one month passed now the blisters are drying up but pain and burning sensation remains, she cannot sleep at night. Aloeupathic medicine no use. Please advice me some homeopathy medicine for speedy recovery and safeguard against postherpetic neuralgia damage.
Dear Dr my mother is 70 years old and had shingles in November 2017 currently she is suffering from nerve damage can you please advice.
hello Dr, i had herpes 3 months back but the pain has not gone. the rashes disappered in a weeks time. but not the burning pain. what can i do?I am 65 years old. female and diabetic for the last 15 years. my vision is also affected thanks .
I had Herpes 4 months back but the pain has not gone yet. The rashes went in 2 months but the pain exists. I am 63 years old female and diabetic for the last 10 years. I am continuing with Pregabalin 150 mg three times daily. What should I do?
Dr. Sharma,
My name is Fatima Adams. My husband is complaining about his ear for few months. He went to the regular doctor and not much helper… Finally the doctor said the ha Herpetic Neuralgia. I have can see that his ear is starting to to have more pain. Before it was once a month or so. Now, he had this pain on and off for 2 days… I understand that as soon start the treatment is better in order for not damage more nerves. I’m from Brazil, and we use Homepathy very often. My husband is American, and people here in USA are very ignorant in knowledge about Homepathy. Before I put my husband in contact with you I want to hear from you about RESULTS for this condition. I do respect Homepathy, and I want to help my husband in his condtion as to help him to understand the beauty of the alternative medicine as Homepathy. If it is the case I’m advicing him to sign for 6 months and TRY. I would like to know about your experience with this condition and RESULTS are positive or not? Can you clarify my questions, please. Also, if he signs for 6 months treatment, how often he’ll access for you advice and how often. Is there other to assist you with client as my husband and others? thank you for your time
I am 63 year. Safring herpise from last20 months allopathy and homeopaths but still pain,stiffness in nerves and touch sansaistion .please advise