Brief Answer:
Alcohol does not increase the duration of post-herpetic neuralgia

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I am Dr.Kakkar (MD, Dermatology). I have read your question and I have understood your concern.
No, alcohol intake does not increase the duration of post-herpetic neuralgia. Post-herpetic neuralgia is anyways more common and can last for months in individuals above 60 years and is due to inflammation and scaring of cutaneous nerves.

Regards

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Brief Answer:
Would advice adding another drug along with a topical anesthetic cream

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Unfortunately, PHN takes a longer time to resolve in individuals above 60 as compared to younger individuals. Even though looking at the skin it may appear that it has healed or is healing well but many patients may continue to have shooting/ stabbing kind of pain for months.

Since you are already taking Pregabalin, I suggest you to continue with it, twice daily. I addition I would suggest adding either a Tricyclic antidepressant i.e Amytriptyline or Nortriptyline, twice or thrice daily Or an anticonvulsant i.e Carbamazepine, twice daily for 4-6 weeks.

You may also use a topical anesthetic cream e.g Tetracaine+Lidocaine cream Or Lidocaine+Prilocaine cream, for symptomatic relief from discomfort Or a counter-irritant e.g Capsaicin gel (NOT TO BE RUBBED IN).

These are prescription medications and I suggest that you talk to your doctor for the needful

Regards

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