Shingles is a common painful condition that can affect anyone, but usually strikes those
that are older than 50. It consists of a skin eruption of red spots or blisters in a pattern
following a sensory nerve. The pain may be felt before skin changes occur. This is caused

by a reactivation of the virus responsible for Chicken Pox (varicella) that lies dormant in

the nervous system since the initial pox outbreak that occurs commonly in childhood. The

pain and skin lesions develop over hours to several days and can give a feeling of burning,

itching, stinging sensations. The skin lesions usually clear over several weeks, and the pain

resolves in most people within 90 days. In about 1/3 of people, the pain persists indefinitely

and can be very difficult to control. The pain is caused by scarring of the pain sensing nerve endings during the inflammation of the initial shingles outbreak. Approved medications for this condition include Lyrica and gabapentin; narcotics are sometimes used; topical lidocaine can be used once the skin lesions resolve. In those who have the pain lasting more than 90 days, it is called postherpetic neuralgia. This pain can be severe, the skin can be very sensitive to touch, and the skin can be scarred and reddened. In many sufferers, their life is permanently altered by the continued pain and discomfort.

We at NervePro are testing a new topical agent that has shown great promise in treating this severe chronic painful condition. For those individuals who have had shingles pain for more than six months, this can be an effective treatment. Participating individuals are screened for conflicting conditions, and the appropriate type of shingles pain. For those that pass screening a topical liquid medication is applied to the skin and then removed after five minutes. This medication can deplete the pain signal from the affected nerve endings, and may help diminished or control the shingles pain for up to three months at which time another application can be applied. It is limited to use away from the face or mucous membranes, and may cause a mild sunburn-like sensation for three days after the application while the medication takes its effect. Additional pain medications will be given if necessary during that time. For those individuals already taking partially effective pain medications for their shingles pain, they usually can continue taking them while participating in the study. Full details of the study are reviewed during an office visit. All visits, treatment, and tests performed as part of this study are without charge. A stipend is provided for time and travel expenses.

Shingles usually strikes those who are elderly, have been under stress, or have some decrease in their immune system function due to medications or disease. It can be prevented by a vaccine that is recommended for those over 60, and also by taking the presently available childhood vaccine to avoid contracting chicken pox in the first place. Standard treatment during the initial outbreak includes Valtrex or similar anti-viral therapy, and pain medications. Usually the attack affects the trunk sensory pathways, but any part of the body may be affected. If the face or scalp is affected, confusion, encephalitis and stroke can occur. If the eye is affected, blindness may result.