Dear Doctor, My mother of 70 years old is suffering from this Harpies from last 15-20 days. We have gone for treatment in Allopathy but not cured. She is feeling pain in chest and burning sensation under armpit. There is not any sign on skin,as skin color shows normal. What are the possible causes and treatment? Please help me. Manoj India
From what you have said she is suffering from post herpetic neuralgia a complication of shingles which is mostly seen in elderly above 60 yrs. Some medicine which can reduce pain are gabapentin amitriptyline and lidocaine patches. Gabapentin 300\u00a0mg BD is more effective than pregabalin according to my experience. There ISS no cure at present only medicine s to ease the symptoms. Herpes zoster vaccine is available for prevention.