and Managing Pain from Shingles: What to Expect and How to Cope

Q: and Managing Pain from Shingles: What to Expect and How to Cope

Hello： It is quite common for this type of pain to persist for a period of time, especially in the elderly. <br>You can consult a dermatologist or neurologist for medication management, and most cases will gradually improve. <br>A statistical report indicates the following (regar

Shingles

Hello Dr.
Huang: My mother recently developed shingles (herpes zoster), which appeared on her lower back and abdomen.
It has been a week since she saw a doctor.
The blisters are slowly healing, but she experiences sudden, severe pain without warning, which is unbearable.
The pain lasts for about a minute and then disappears, with no fixed timing; sometimes it occurs every 5-6 hours, and other times every 1-2 hours.
I would like to know if this is considered normal.
How long might this last, and will each episode be this painful? Are there any treatments or methods to alleviate the pain? I apologize for bothering you, and I would greatly appreciate your guidance.
Thank you very much.

Xiao Ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/10/23

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology

Hello: It is quite common for this type of pain to persist for a period of time, especially in the elderly.
You can consult a dermatologist or neurologist for medication management, and most cases will gradually improve.
A statistical report indicates the following (regardless of age): 19.2% of cases still experience pain after one month, 7.2% after three months, and 3.4% after one year.
Wishing you peace and good health.

Reply Date: 2008/10/23

More Info

Similar Q&A

Understanding Shin Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips

If you experience significant pain in your tibia during exercise, which sometimes improves with rest but at other times worsens, it may indicate a condition such as shin splints or a stress fracture. You mentioned that you had an X-ray and the doctor diagnosed you with periostiti...

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics
Hello, based on your symptoms, you are experiencing significant pain in your tibia during exercise. You have had an X-ray, and the doctor mentioned that there is damage to the periosteum. However, I recommend that you return to the orthopedic clinic for further evaluation and to ...

Understanding Chronic Pain: From Lymphadenitis to Muscle Discomfort

Hello Dr. Liao: I am a 40-year-old mother, and I have been troubled by pain for the past few months (some of this pain actually started several years ago), but it has worsened recently. I visited a clinic, and the doctor said it was lymphadenitis and prescribed anti-inflammatory ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
Dear readers, regarding the issues of "chest tightness, hard lumps under the armpits, muscle pain, neck pain, back pain, and facial pain," I suggest the following: 1. Being a homemaker is a demanding job that often goes unnoticed or unappreciated by family members. It...

Understanding Shin Pain: Effective Home Remedies and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor! My mom experienced pain in the arch of her left foot after walking home yesterday morning. The pain extends to her tibia, and the affected area is red and swollen, causing her to limp while walking. She applied ice and then used a medicated patch. Is this an approp...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Your mother may be experiencing inflammation of the tibialis anterior muscle or inflammation of the ligaments between the metatarsals. Applying ice and using medicated patches is appropriate. 2. If...

Understanding Shinbone Inflammation: Treatment Options for Young Athletes

Hello, I am a high school student who has loved sports since childhood. However, after joining the track and field team in fifth grade and practicing daily, I developed a hard bone growth below my knee in sixth grade. Initially, I sought treatment from both traditional Chinese me...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Xiao Zhong: This condition is Osgood-Schlatter disease, which is a disorder of the tibial tuberosity's bone development, accompanied by localized pain. Most individuals will be asymptomatic after reaching adulthood, while a small portion may undergo surgery due to pain. Appl...