Shingles
Can Shingles Be This Painful?
Shingles, commonly referred to as “snake,” is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, known as the varicella-zoster virus. While most people gain lifelong immunity after recovering from chickenpox, the virus can hide quietly in the nerve ganglia and reactivate when the immune system weakens. It then replicates extensively along the nerve Fibers, causing inflammation in the nerve cells and leading to the onset of shingles.
Shingles typically present as painful blisters on the skin, accompanied by noticeable sensations of stabbing pain, burning, and itching, which can even disrupt sleep. Although most patients recover within a few weeks, the long-term effects of shingles can significantly impact their quality of life.
Shingles
The Main Reasons for Postherpetic Neuralgia in Shingles
- 1. Age: Postherpetic neuralgia is associated with age. Statistics show that the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia increases with age. For example, the occurrence rate may be around 60% for patients aged 60, and about 70% for those aged 70. Thus, the older you are, the more likely you are to experience postherpetic neuralgia.
- 2. Duration of Illness: The longer the duration of shingles, the higher the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia.
- 3. Pain Management: Timely and effective pain management can reduce the risk of developing long-term complications.
Common Long-Term Effects of Shingles
1. Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Postherpetic neuralgia is one of the most common long-term effects of shingles. After the rash heals, patients may experience persistent pain that can be sharp, burning, or dull, significantly affecting daily life.
2. Skin Sensitivity
After shingles heals, the affected area of the skin may become unusually sensitive, with touch or temperature changes potentially causing discomfort.
3. Vision Problems
If shingles occurs on the face, especially around the eyes, it can lead to blurred vision, eye pain, or other ocular complications, and in severe cases, it may even result in blindness.
4. Psychological Impact
The pain and discomfort from shingles can lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues, affecting the patient’s mental health and quality of life.
Treatment for Postherpetic Neuralgia Includes
1. Medication
Medications are used to regulate nerve function and improve blood circulation.
2. Electroacupuncture
This technique works through multiple pathways and mechanisms, including raising the painthreshold, regulating nerve function, improving blood circulation, repairing tissue damage, and suppressing inflammatory factors.
3. Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy can enhance microcirculation at the affected site, regulate the sensory nerve endings around the lesion, balance the bodys yin and yang, strengthen immune function, and alleviate local pain.
Summary
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), shingles is the result of the interaction
between internal and external factors, and treatment should be staged. TCM offers a comprehensive
treatment plan tailored to the symptoms at different stages, using herbal medicine, topical
treatments, acupuncture, and other methods to help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.
