Neuralgia after herpes zoster

Herpes zoster neuralgia is normally defined as neuralgia three months after the healing of herpes zoster lesions. Because the healing time of different skin rashes varies, it is internationally advocated to define pain caused by herpes zoster as herpes-related pain, including acute pain (within 30 days of onset), subacute pain (within 30 to 120 days of onset) and chronic pain (lasting more than 120 days). At present, tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and doxepin, are the first choice for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. In addition, gabapentin and pregabalin, which can synergize the analgesic effect of tricyclic antidepressants, are the basic drugs for chronic pain.