[Expert consensus on integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (2026 edition)].

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), as the most common complication of herpes zoster, significantly affects the quality of life of patients. The clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines for PHN urgently need to be improved. This consensus was jointly formulated by experts from departments such as neurology, traditional Chinese medicine, pain management, acupuncture, and evidence-based medicine in China. Following the principles of evidence-based medicine and based on clinical evidence, a combined Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment framework for PHN was systematically constructed. Regarding 9 clinical issues, a total of 22 recommendations were formed, including 3 for diagnosis and 19 for treatment. In terms of diagnosis, a diagnostic model combining "precise assessment by Western medicine and overall syndrome differentiation by traditional Chinese medicine" was proposed. In terms of treatment strategies, it is advocated that the combination of Western and Chinese medicine for treating PHN should follow the principle of early initiation to achieve synergistic treatment and reduce side effects. The formulation of this consensus provides an important evidence-based basis for the standardized diagnosis and treatment of PHN and has significant clinical guiding value.