A study of postherpetic pruritus

Mittal, Asit; Srivastava, Ankita; Balai, Manisha; Khare, Ashok Kumar

doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185479

Cited by 7 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 5 publications

(7 reference statements)

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“…A study of 100 patients with postherpetic neuralgia found that 53 of these patients also experienced postherpetic pruritus. The development of postherpetic pruritus was more frequent amongst the individuals who experienced facial herpes zoster infection [2]. Although postherpetic pruritus most commonly occurred in patients who also had postherpetic neuralgia, some of the affected individuals did not have prior or concurrent postherpetic neuralgia; however, the incidence of postherpetic pruritus in the absence of postherpetic neuralgia remains to be determined [4][5][6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It can occur immediately following the resolution of blisters. Alternatively, it can begin several weeks after the herpes zoster infection resolves [2].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Our patient's pruritus was significantly improved after eight weeks of acyclovir. However, some of the therapies, such as those used for postherpetic neuralgia, can actually make the pruritus worse [2].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Herpes zoster can result in temporary or permanent postherpetic neuralgia [1]. Postherpetic pruritus is another adverse event that can occur alone or in combination with postherpetic neuralgia [2]. A woman with postherpetic pruritus, who does not have postherpetic neuralgia, is described and the features of this uncommon condition are reviewed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Postherpetic Pruritus: A Potential Complication of Herpes Zoster Virus Infection

Hassan

Cohen²

2019

Cureus

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Postherpetic pruritus is an uncommon adverse sequela of Varicella zoster infection. It can present with or without prior postherpetic neuralgia. A 57-year-old woman who developed persistent postherpetic pruritus following a Varicella zoster infection, affecting the skin between her right thoracic fifth to eighth dermatomes is described; she did not have postherpetic neuralgia. Her condition did not improve with systemic antiviral or gabapentin treatment; however, nine years later, she exhibited significant relief after two months of acyclovir 800 mg five times daily. In summary, postherpetic pruritus is a potential complication that can occur alone or in combination with postherpetic neuralgia. Some patients with postherpetic pruritus have a treatment-refractory disease. However, other patients respond to gabapentin; yet, long-term interventions may be necessary for persistent pruritus. Our patient's pruritus significantly improved after restarting systemic antiviral therapy.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It can occur immediately following the resolution of blisters. Alternatively, it can begin several weeks after the herpes zoster infection resolves [2].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Postherpetic Pruritus: A Potential Complication of Herpes Zoster Virus Infection

Hassan

Cohen²

2019

Cureus

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“…Postherpetic itch (PHI), one of the complications of herpes zoster, may reduce quality of life of patients, similar to that observed in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) [1]. However, PHI is not commonly recognized as a complication of herpes zoster because pain predominates over itch for most patients [2][3][4]. Therefore, only few studies have reported the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of PHI [2][3][4], and a standard treatment for PHI has not been established to date, although various treatments for PHI have been attempted [5][6][7][8][9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Pregabalin for postherpetic itch: a case report

et al. 2020

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Background: Postherpetic itch has not commonly received attention as a complication of herpes zoster because pain predominates over itch in most patients with herpes zoster. Most cases of postherpetic itch are mild; however, cases of severe postherpetic itch reducing quality of life are rare. Case presentation: A 52-year-old woman complained of severe itch in her left pinna and cheek 1 month after the first onset of herpes zoster at the same site. Owing to her scratching, she developed ulcers on her left pinna and cheek. Pregabalin was prescribed, and the itch subsided immediately, with the ulcers disappearing within 1 month. Discussion: Severe itch was thought to be caused by neural injury from herpes zoster. Pregabalin may be a useful treatment option for neuropathic itch induced by herpes zoster.

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