Post Herpetic Neuralgia

Post Herpetic Neuralgia is the resulting pain caused by the shingles virus.  This virus damages the nerve fibers, and causes pain because they lose their ability to send signals to the brain.  One main symptom of the disorder is extreme sensitivity and pain to even gentle touching. 

Traditional pain analgesics aren't prescribed because this condition is neuropathic.  Typically, topical medications work best, such as lidocaine or capsaicin.  One controversial treatment is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).  This treatment can be very successful, but if used improperly, may worsen the patient's condition.