What is post-herpetic syndrome
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of herpes zoster, which mainly manifests as neuralgia that persists after the rash subsides. This pain may last for months or even years, seriously affecting the patient's quality of life. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide a detailed analysis of the definition, symptoms, high-risk groups, and prevention and treatment methods of post-herpetic syndrome.
1. Definition of sequelae of herpes zoster
Postherpetic syndrome is a chronic pain syndrome in which pain persists after the shingles rash has healed. It is usually defined as pain that persists for more than 3 months after the rash appears. Its mechanism is related to the damage of ganglia and nerve fibers caused by viral infection.
2. Symptoms of post-herpetic syndrome
| Symptom type | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| persistent pain | Burning, stinging, electric shock-like pain |
| abnormal sensation | Skin that is sensitive to touch (hyperalgesia) |
| Other symptoms | Itching, numbness, muscle weakness |
3. Populations with a high risk of sequelae of herpes zoster
| Crowd characteristics | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Middle-aged and elderly people over 50 years old | high risk |
| Immunocompromised persons | high risk |
| People with severe pain in the acute phase of herpes zoster | medium risk |
| People with extensive rash | medium risk |
4. Hot topics on the Internet: The importance of the shingles vaccine
The shingles vaccine (such as Shingrix) that has been hotly discussed on the Internet recently is an effective way to prevent shingles and its sequelae. Data shows that the vaccine's protective efficacy for people over 50 years old exceeds 90%, and the protective effect can last for at least 7 years.
5. Prevention and treatment methods of herpes zoster sequelae
| Prevention and control measures | Specific content |
|---|---|
| Vaccination | Recombinant herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for people over 50 years old |
| acute phase treatment | Antiviral medication within 72 hours reduces risk of PHN |
| pain management | Use drugs such as gabapentin and pregabalin to control neuralgia |
| physical therapy | Adjuvant therapies such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) |
6. Hot Cases: Rising incidence among young people
Recently, many media reported that due to factors such as increased life pressure and reduced immunity, the incidence of herpes zoster among young people aged 30-40 has increased significantly. Experts warn that young people should be alert to the possibility of herpes zoster when they experience unexplained neuralgia.
7. Summary
Post-herpetic syndrome is a chronic pain disorder that requires high attention. The risk of its occurrence can be significantly reduced through vaccination, early intervention and standardized treatment. It is recommended that high-risk groups have regular physical examinations, pay attention to their immunity status, and seek medical treatment promptly if they develop suspected symptoms.
Note: The data in this article are synthesized from recent authoritative medical journals, CDC announcements, and mainstream media health section reports (updated in November 2023).
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