Understanding post-herpetic neuralgia in older people

It is estimated that approximately 10–20% of the British population will experience shingles—or herpes zoster—at some in their life and of these 50% or more will be over the age of 85 (National Shingles Foundation, 2015). Some patients may make an uneventful recovery with minimal symptoms; however, an estimated 20% of those affected will develop post-herpetic neuralgia each year (Gharibo and Kim, 2011). This is an unpleasant complication which potentially has a significant impact on quality of life and is particularly serious in the elderly, who may already be coping with other comorbid diseases. Not only can it interfere with basic and essential activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, mobility, travelling, shopping, cooking and housework, but in some cases, it can cause a previously active individual to become relatively inactive and housebound (Schmader, 2002). This article aims to give practice nurses an overview of this troublesome complication and will help them feel more confident when giving advice and support to their patients.