Revista de informes de casos clínicos

Early Initiation of Acyclovir is Associated with Better Pain Control in Herpes Zoster-An Illustrative Case

Abstract

Subhankar Chakraborty

Herpes zoster is caused by varicella zoster virus, a DNA virus. Post herpetic neuralgia is a common complaint in patients following resolution of the rash. We present the case of a patient who was initiated on acyclovir therapy within 48 hours of onset of the rash resulting in significant improvement in pain. The case illustrates the importanceof rapid initiation of acyclovir which helps reduce the chances of post herpetic neuralgia. Narcotic analgesics may be necessary in the acute phase to control the pain