[Neuralgia and zovirax treatment of patients with herpes zoster].

AIM: To estimate the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) arising after acute period of herpes zoster (HZ) and determination of zovirax efficiency in PHN prevention.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Of a total of 102 patients with HZ aged 17-89 years, 20 patients aged 26-83 years were given zovirax.

RESULTS

Acute pain syndrome in PHN was observed in more that one-third of HZ patients. Patients over 60 years of age were more predisposed to PHN. Zovirax reduced the duration of acute rash and its healing, decreased the number of patients with zoster-associated pain and PHN patients.

CONCLUSION

Zovirax is effective and safe in preventing PHN in HZ patients.