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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Shingles And Peripheral Neuropathy Interrelated?

After having had nerve conduction and EMG testing, I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. I am 74 years old, male, otherwise in good health, and I do not have diabetes. I am not taking any medications known to be related to neuropahy, and I do not have HIV. I have had shingles four times over 20 years. How likely is it that shingles and peripheral neuropathy may be linked, since both can involve inflammation of portions of the nervous system?
Thu, 10 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Shingles resolves within 3–5 weeks, but chronic pain due to post – herpetic neuralgia may occur. Peripheral neuropathy is a complication of shingles. High potency live attenuated VZV vaccine (Zostavax) is available and it reduce the risk of getting shingles in individuals 50 years of age and older. Duration of recovery from post – herpetic neuralgia is uncertain and variable.
Advice
1.     You can take Zostavax vaccine as your age is 74 years under medical supervision
2.     For fresh attack, you can take valaciclovir 500 mg three times daily per oral if blisters are covering large area. No need of oral valaciclovir if blisters are localized to smaller area
3.     You can also apply locally aciclovir 3% ointment five time daily for all types of shingles
4.     For post – herpetic neuralgia, you can take gabapentin and methylcobalamin 500 mcg once daily per oral for 3 months. Gabapentin is a prescription based medicine and you need written prescription for purchasing this
5.     Do not take mental stress as it aggravates shingles
I hope this information will help you. I will be happy if you ask another question
Thanks
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Are Shingles And Peripheral Neuropathy Interrelated?

Shingles resolves within 3–5 weeks, but chronic pain due to post – herpetic neuralgia may occur. Peripheral neuropathy is a complication of shingles. High potency live attenuated VZV vaccine (Zostavax) is available and it reduce the risk of getting shingles in individuals 50 years of age and older. Duration of recovery from post – herpetic neuralgia is uncertain and variable. Advice 1. You can take Zostavax vaccine as your age is 74 years under medical supervision 2. For fresh attack, you can take valaciclovir 500 mg three times daily per oral if blisters are covering large area. No need of oral valaciclovir if blisters are localized to smaller area 3. You can also apply locally aciclovir 3% ointment five time daily for all types of shingles 4. For post – herpetic neuralgia, you can take gabapentin and methylcobalamin 500 mcg once daily per oral for 3 months. Gabapentin is a prescription based medicine and you need written prescription for purchasing this 5. Do not take mental stress as it aggravates shingles I hope this information will help you. I will be happy if you ask another question Thanks