Postherpetic itch

Postherpetic Itch

Postherpetic itch (pronunciation: post-her-pe-tic itch) is a medical condition that is often associated with shingles or herpes zoster.

Etymology

The term "postherpetic" is derived from "post-", meaning after, and "herpetic", referring to herpes. The term "itch" is derived from the Old English "gicce", meaning to itch. Thus, "postherpetic itch" refers to the itching sensation that occurs after a herpes infection.

Definition

Postherpetic itch is a persistent, often severe itching sensation that follows the resolution of the rash caused by shingles. It is a form of neuropathic itch, which is caused by nerve damage or irritation.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of postherpetic itch is a persistent, often severe, itching sensation in the area where the shingles rash occurred. This can last for months or even years after the rash has healed. Other symptoms can include pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area.

Causes

Postherpetic itch is caused by damage to the nerve fibers in the skin caused by the shingles virus. This damage can lead to abnormal nerve signaling, which can result in persistent itching.

Treatment

Treatment for postherpetic itch can include topical creams and ointments, antihistamines, pain relievers, and nerve block injections. In some cases, antidepressants or anticonvulsants may be used to help manage the symptoms.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Postherpetic itch
Wikipedia's article - Postherpetic itch

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Postherpetic itch