Dermatológia pre prax 2/2009
Postherpetic neuralgia and its therapy
Postherpetic neuralgia is a painful syndrome affecting approximately 20 % of herpes zoster patients. The neuropathic pain, a dominant symptom of this syndrome, has a significant negative impact on quality of life. Prompt initiation of antiviral therapy in acute herpes zoster is a key preventative measure in the management of postherpetic neuralgia. Tricyclic antidepressants, modern antiepileptic drugs and opioids have the most important role in the symptomatic therapy.
Keywords: postherpetic neuralgia, herpes zoster, neuropathic pain, gabapentin, acyclovir