[Pain treatment of herpes zoster]

Reactivation of varicella-zoster virus causes herpes zoster, which accompanies severe pain in most patients. Treatment of pain is mandatory in herpes zoster. Pain caused by herpes zoster is classified as acute herpetic pain and postherpetic neuralgia. The mechanisms and treatments for the two pains are different. Acute herpetic pain is inflammatory and nociceptive one. Treatment for acute herpetic pain includes antiviral drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and sympathetic nerve blockade. Postherpetic neuralgia is a neuropathic pain and requires antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and anti-arrhythmic drugs to relieve the pain. Topical application of capsaicin and local anesthetics may benefit some patients with postherpetic neuralgia.