Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a condition that persists for a long time, even this will linger after the shingle infection, caused by nerve damage. Several individuals with PHN feel that their pain worsens at night time, especially when sleeping. This worsening of pain during the night is triggered by variety of environmental and physiological factors like decreased distractions and changes in the temperature of the body. Read on to know the reason behind the worsening of PHN pain during nighttimes.
What is post-herpetic neuralgia?
It is a nerve pain that is caused by the shingles. The shingles is a disease that occurs by chickenpox. When chickenpox affects the human body for the first time, the virus will remain in the human body for some period. The virus will activate again after the first chickenpox attack. During singles, there will be nerve pain, which is called post-herpetic neuralgia. To avoid the pain, take post-herpetic neuralgia treatment in Coimbatore. This nerve pain will happen only when shingles are affected. Post-herpetic neuralgia is also called PHN.
What are the symptoms of post-herpetic neuralgia?
There are five common symptoms of post-herpetic neuralgia,
- Burning pain – The area in the upper layer of the skin where the rash is affected will have a burning sensation, so you will feel uncomfortable.
- Stabbing pain – The sudden jabs will react on the skin, the jabs are a sudden poking or stabbing sensation that will be on the skin where the rash is affected.
- Tingling or numbness – This means the skin will have a sensation like poking with a pin or numbness on the skin, which means it’s difficult to completely feel the touch or to observe the temperature.
- Itching – The area that is affected by the rash will cause an itching feel because of the virus that remains on the skin. Sometimes without rash also you will get itching on the skin, which is one of the symptoms of post-herpetic neuralgia.
- Hypersensitivity – The skin will become oversensitive when compared to normal time. This sensitivity is caused by nerve damage and inflammation.
What is the reason for the post-herpetic neuralgia pain worsening at night?
Post-herpetic neuralgia pain is a chronic pain condition. This condition will develop during the outbreak of herpes zoster, which is commonly known as shingles. The sustainment of the remaining virus after chickenpox will cause pain in the impacted area. The person who is affected by the shingles always reports high pain at night time. If you are feeling more uncomfortable, visit the pain relief center in Coimbatore. The environmental factors are also the main reason for the cause of post-herpetic neuralgia pain at night time. Post-herpetic neuralgia pain will disturb our daily life activities as well.
Lack of distractions:
During the daytime, we will have work. The absence of activities at night is a reason which cannot divert our minds from the pain.
Body Position during sleep:
During the night, the position in which we sleep puts pressure on the skin, where the area is sensitive. So this is also a reason for post-herpetic neuralgia pain at night time.
Cooler Temperature:
During the daytime, usually, the temperature will be hot, and the hot temperature will calm the pain in the body. But at night time the colder air may trigger sensitivity and cause pain.
Tiredness:
After a full day of work, we will become tired physically and mentally, which turns our concentration towards the pain.
What are the main environmental factors causing post-herpetic neuralgia pain at night?
Light Sensitivity:
The dim light and no lighting may cause pain as there are few visual distractions for the person who is going through pain.
Silence:
The external distractions will be less, which can push you to more concentrate on the pain rather than other distractions.
Humidity change:
The changes in the moisture content can cause pain, the dry air triggers more pain as the skin is sensitive. And it will affect the area which is hurting and make it more uncomfortable.
Bedding Accessories:
Heavy blankets and rough beds can worsen discomfort by irritating sensitive skin. And it leads to hypersensitivity.
Affecting activities:
Post-herpetic neuralgia will affect the activities that we are doing daily, making the easy activities more difficult.
How can we prevent post-herpetic neuralgia?
Vaccination:
As the disease called shingles causes post-herpetic neuralgia, there is a vaccination to prevent shingles. By vaccinating, we can avoid shingles as it is a source of pain control in post-herpetic neuralgia. And the vaccination will reduce the risk of developing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia is easily controlled by vaccination.
Early Treatment:
Early treatment is based on antivirus medications, by taking this medication earlier we can protect ourselves from shingles. And early medication reduces the risk of nerve damage, which can cause post-herpetic neuralgia.
Managing stress:
Managing stress will reduce mental pressure and strengthen the immune system. And prevent the reactivation of shingles.
Avoid Triggers:
One should avoid triggers that cause post-herpetic neuralgia. we need to maintain our immune system healthily, as it builds more power in the body against the virus.
Conclusion:
Individuals’ quality of life, sleep, and rest will be greatly affected due to the intensifying pain of post-herpetic neuralgia during the nighttime. Consulting a healthcare professional for tailored strategies can make a world of difference. With proper care, the pain can be effectively managed, resulting in better rest and overall well-being.
