My mother-in-law has shingles. What is that?

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection of one or more nerves that results in a blistery skin rash. Shingles most often attacks nerves of the chest, back, neck or face. The shingles rash, which can be very itchy and painful, lasts for two to three weeks. After the rash heals, pain in the area may persist for months or longer. This pain condition is called postherpetic neuralgia. Shingles mainly affects people over age 50 and the incidence rises with age. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox.

How can the pain be treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment with nerve blocks (injections of local anesthesia) are very important. Analgesics are used to lessen pain associated with the rash. It is possible to reduce the severity of the rash and lower the risk of postherpetic neuralgia with the use of antiviral drugs. Measures that are useful in the relief of postherpetic neuralgia include antidepressant and antiseizure medications, electrical stimulation of the affected areas or nerve blocks. In extreme cases, surgery to sever the affected nerves may be an option. Early intervention is the key to better relief. All of these treatments are available at the pain center at Good Samaritan Hospital. For a referral, talk to your physician.