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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 Col Raghbir Singh (Retd) 75 years . In Apr 2020, I had HERPES below right chest tiwards right soulder. blisters gone after 20 dats, then shooting and stabbing pain started. Taking Gabapentin 300 in the morning and Gabapentin NT 400 IN THE evening. Hardly any relief . Lot of pain
Dr.Sharma will the scarring fade away on the face after shingles?What should i take for nerve opain while healing?This is my third week of shingles.Nerve pain and itching keeps me awake in the nights.I am 32 yrs old and going through a tough time managing work with shingles.Appreciate your help.
Hello Dr Sharma,
My name is Merle Quinsaat from San Diego, California. USA. I had shingle in 2019 and developed PHN after all blisters healed. It is in my left forearm and for 3 yrs I am suffering burning sensation and stabbing pain in the forearm area where the shingle blisters were. I hope to wean myself from Gabapentin that makes me feel loopey and the side effect of joint pain. Please help me find relief. I can no longer live with pain and sleepless nights
Draupadi Devi (veg) 90 yrs post herpatic joster scraping pain right waist region. Blisters vanished 2 yrs back. Arthritis Also and gas problem. always prefers homeo medicines except few allopathic doses.
Draupadi Devi (veg) 90 yrs post herpatic joster scraping pain right waist region. Blisters vanished 2 yrs back. Arthritis Also and gas problem. always prefers homeo medicines except few allopathic doses. Scrabbing pain.
I am suffering from G B Syndrom with tingling sensation in legs plus pain in legs
I have started moving with walker please include with suitable homeo medicine thanks
Hi Dr. Sharma, my mother is going through Postherpetic Neuralgia,
She 72 years old , is a heart patient , asthmatic, diabetic.
She is being administered with below medicines for her alignments
Diapride M2
Clopitorva 10
Tazloc CT 6.25
Galvus 50
Odimont 10
For her Postherpetic Neuralgia condition we are giving her Ultracet.
We need your advise on what medication I give her in reducing her pain. Shingles for her appeared on her right side of her forehead.
Though she has recovered from the virus , she is suffering from a lot of pain and burning.
Requesting your help and advise
Dear Doct.Sharma
This is Dipali suffering with PHN last 6 months. Though paim is not severe but burning irritation is there some times.Area is right breast extending back. Geeling weak sometimes and sleep is disturbed. If u cam help me…..!
* I am also having IPP last 1 and a half year. The moment doct gave steroyed 16 mg to suppress immunity ,herpes zoster popped up and then turn to phn.
After 6 months i am narratimg my condition pl.coment
Dear Doct.Sharma
This is Dipali suffering with PHN last 6 months. Though paim is not severe but burning irritation is there some times.Area is right breast extending back. Geeling weak sometimes and sleep is disturbed. If u cam help me…..!
* I am also having IPP last 1 and a half year. The moment doct gave steroyed 16 mg to suppress immunity ,herpes zoster popped up and then turn to phn.
I am suffering from post herpetic neuralgia need help adgupta
Dear Dr. Sharma
I am suffering with postherpetic neuralgia. 2 months over still i sm facing with burninig,pining , etc. If i touch that area lightly it burns and quite sensitive.But if i touch those area with little pressure nothing happens . ice massage gives some relief but after sometimes agan starts . Rheaffected area is quite broad.from breast to back side . On breast some blisters form doctor gave valtavol for 7 days .blisters disappear but one red patch still there. Normal skin is not coming and bning quite a long area though blisters were not there. Looking forsome remedy. Pl.help.
I am Girish Tiwari, 72+, Male
I got Herpes Zoster in Right hand below elbow to wrist, wrist was also affected, in Dec 10th, On 1jan 22 blister subsidised, but immense pain on. Numbness in small finger, and four fingers. I have taken two months Noritrplin 20 mg and pregaba 150 mg daily. Also taken Ars Album 200, and Capsicum 30ch liquid three drops twice daily since last two months, But I am still having 24 hr pain in wrist and four fingers . It is almost level of 4 out of 10, intermittent pain grow to 7 or 8 level and then back to 4. Request your prescription, will transfer your consideration online.
doctor sharma,
some homeopathic doctors have prescribed belladona for our patient of phn.
please guide
I am Dr Shovendu jha.
After the second dose of covisheild I suffered from the attack’of Herpes zoaster of the facial nerve. Now I am suffering from post herpetic neuralgia.
What should I take
Regards
I have Herpetic post neuralgia and I am taking Ayurveda and Allopathy medicines but still I have no remedy hope you may help me though suffering from last 4 months
Good afternoon Dr.Sharma
Iam suffering with postherpic neuralgia period for lat 15 days i.e since 12 january though burning is little less now but nipple area crunching is there and i am feeling sensation to rigjt hand till fingers. Entire right side from breast to back i am attacked with herpes zoster..on breast blister skin disappear but still red with burning .i cant touch those patches burning is there. In addition to it licken planus iam sufering with last 10 months.Doct is telling it will take time everything is allright but i am tremendus under stress.
Good Afternoon Dr. Sharma,
I suffered from Shingles in last week of Dec-2020 and after taking some medicines (Antibiotic & Herpex-200 Tablet) the skin wound now gone. But there is still a lot of pain in the affected area in my right side back and arm upto elbow.
Please suggest some medicine, as I heard that this is called posthereptic neuralgia pain and lasts for months.
Good Evening Dr. Sharma
I have posthereptic neuralgia in my armnpit and right chest.
Can I take Rhus Tox 200 and Ranaculous Bulbous 200
With three days gap in between them
Hello Dr. Sharma
I am Anand Behera age 29 was having a herpes zoster singles on my face that’s between my eye and ear of left side. After taking allopathic medicine it is completely cured but now I am suffering from post hepithetic neuralgia. I am suffering from nervous pain and itching on the same area of herpes. While touching to the same area it becomes hiper sensitive. It feels like something is crowling inside the nervous.
Please help me to get the solution and provide me medicine name with potency.
Regards
Anand Behera
7405522283
Dear Dr Sharma,
I am a 69 year old woman. In the first week of March this year I got Herpes Zoster in my left hand, I was treated with alopathic medicines and subsequently diagnosed as post herpetic nurelgia after a fortnight. Now the palm and fingers of my left hand are generally always swollen, burning & feel extremely dry. There is an excruciating pain under the finger nail of my left ring finger which is unbearable at peak.
Keeping it cool tends to relieve it very marginally.
Currently I am on homeopathic treatment wherein the response seems very slow, if at all.
Could you kindly advise me regarding the homeopathic medicines that I should take as also by when I can expect some relief. I take alopathic for my blood pressure for quite some time now.
Huiiii dint die
shingles attacked sciatic nerve which left me with PHN in my right foot. Wearing footwear rubs against side of foot and aggravates which I guess is the affected dermatone. Have had this condition for the past 3/4 months. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
HI Dr Sharma,
I had herpes a year back and had got the treatment then. After few months i experienced pin like sensitivity in the area where i had herpes. i took homeopathic medicine from life force and Ayurveda medicines along side for 4months and i felt really better. Now again i am experiencing little pain around the area , along with tingling in my feet and twitching of muscles all over the body. Does this tingling and twitching a symptom of post herpetic neuralgia, please confirm. I also experience a mild pain at the left of my back, is it because of this. I am not able to understand the origin of the problem i have . Could you please help me identify the issue and provide a treatment.