Post herpetic neuralgia management: A retrospective analysis

Acute Herpes Zoster (AHZ) occurs due to reactivation of dormant Varicella zoster virus within neurons. It is more common in the elderly diabetics and immuno-compromised patients. Such patients are more likely to develop debilitating neuropathic pain known as post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Various researchers suggest that early antiviral treatment can prevent development of PHN and reduce it's severity when it does occur. A retrospective study on 45 patients of herpes zoster ophthalmicus treated with oral acyclovir of different strengths with or without systemic steroid were evaluated for post herpetic neuralgia at repeated intervals for one Year in herpes zoster ophthalmicus cases. Our study suggests that a combination of antiviral drugs and steroid may have the best results in the management of PHN.