This guideline is an updated version on the drug treatment options for post-shingles pain. It was based on the review of the recent literature and the modified by the author.

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN):

Most oftenly, an acute attack of shingles induces pain and the pain mostly terminates when the shingles rash clears up. But, sometimes it may be persistent after the shingles has resolved and it is then elucidated as PHN. In half of patients with shingles over the age of 70, this condition is common and it's frequency increases with age.

Attributes governing pain in PHN:

Pain may typically be burning, stabbing or itching in character which can be either constant or intermittent. It is situated in the same dermatome distribution as the acute rash. The precipitation of pain by a non-painful stimulus, example touch or pressure and is often a distressing feature of PHN, is referred as Allodynia. Sleep disturbance and clinical depression are not uncommon.