title: Management of patients with post-herpetic neuralgia.
abstract: This article provides an overview of the management of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)--a debilitating nerve pain that continues after the herpes zoster (shingles) rash has cleared. PHN mainly affects older people and although there are a number of treatment options available, drug interactions and side effects frequently limit their use. Nurses need to demonstrate an understanding of the difficulties associated with the management of PHN to provide safe and effective pain relief and to improve the patient's quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Cardiffand Vale NHS Trust, Cardiff. Sharon.doble@cardiffandvale.wales.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Doble
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D051474:Neuralgia, Postherpetic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics