The condition of persistent pain in the body, where an outbreak of the Varicella Zoster virus has caused Shingles, is termed as post-herpetic neuralgia. It is a debilitating complication of the herpes zoster virus. The blisters that occur in shingles develop a crust formation and neuralgia begins after these crusts are formed. It may also occur in people who do not produce crustaceous lesions.

A burning pain that is long-lasting, even after the rash and the blisters disappear, is observed. There is a criterion of the pain to be persistent for around three months for the confirmation of post-herpetic neuralgia.












 

The cause of this condition is damage of the sensory nerves that can occur due to the movement of the reactivated Herpes Zoster virus from the nerves to the skin. In an individual affected with chickenpox, the infection can involve the dorsal root ganglia, where the virus lies dormant. Under conditions like stress due to infection or in an immuno-compromised individual, after a period of time, reactivation of the virus takes place. This reactivation causes the production of Shingles in the body. The dormant virus reaches the skin and reactivates to produce lesions.

With an increase in age, the chances of developing post-herpetic neuralgia also increase. It primarily affects older individuals in the age group of 60 to 70 years. Treatment is aimed at pain management and providing symptomatic relief, with improvement of the neuralgia over some time. Symptoms of this condition are limited to the area of shingles outbreak. The trunk is commonly affected on a unilateral site. It can also occur on the face. Common symptoms include pain lasting 3 months or longer after healing of the shingles rash, allodynia, numbness over the affected area, and itching. Even a slight touch of cloth over the affected area can cause alleviated pain to the individual. Disturbed sleep and the development of clinical depression are usually associated with post-herpetic neuralgia.

Ayurvedic View and Treatment options :

According to Ayurveda Herpes zoster is closely related to ‘Visarpa’. It is one of the major skin diseases. Mainly pitta dosha aggravates along with involvement of kapha and vata dosha. Pitta dosha is a responsible factor for the eruption of reddish painful boils in the hands, armpit, shoulder, eyes, and waist. The Ayurvedic treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia is aimed at treating nerve damage, controlling pain, and boosting the immune status of the body so as to prevent the virus from reactivating.

Ayurvedic Herbal Medicines used are :

1. Ashwagandha churna
2. Tapyadi loh
3. Ekangveer ras
4. Trayodashang guggul
5. Brahm rasayanam
6. Triphala churna
7. Lohasavam
8. Brahtvatchintamani ras
9. Kaishore guggul
10. Maha rasnadi guggul
11. Dashmoolarishtam
12. Yograj guggul
13. Jayphal churna
14. Mahanarayan tailam
15. Vishgarbha oil
16. Mahamash tailam
17. Maha saindhavadi oil
18. Yashtimadhu churna
19. Saariva churna
20. Dhanwantram tailam
21. Chawanprasham
22. Tulsi satwa
23. Giloyghan vati
24. Bhumiamalaki kwath
25. Daruharidra churna
26. Bhringraj churna

Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of Shingles usually help to prevent complications like post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain experienced can be prolonged and severe enough to make strong, healthy adults break down and cry. Ayurvedic Herbal medicines have proved to be quite effective in controlling and treating this condition. Treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia is usually required for nine to twelve months. Contact Expert Ayurvedic doctors at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic as soon as possible and get rid of this condition without any side effects.