TENS - an alternative to antiviral drugs for acute Herpes zoster treatment and postherpetic neuralgia prevention

摘要

Study question The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in treatment of Herpes zoster (HZ), and prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) compared with antiviral drugs.Summary answer Study suggests TENS may be an effective and safe alternative to antiviral drugs for treatment of HZ, but it looks it may be better in reducing PHN, or even preventing PHN. What is known and what this paper adds Standard therapy for HZ are antiviral drugs which are intended to reduce acute pain, hasten rash healing, and reduce the risk of PHN and other rare complications. TENS may be an effective alternative to standard treatment of acute HZ and it may be even better in preventing PHN.