Shingles - Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster is caused by nerves infected with herpes virus and infection spreading to skin thru sensory nerve fibers causing inflammation, blisters and pain. Skin burning and unbearable nerve pain caused by herpes zoster result in insomnia, irritability, anxiety, long term psychological burden and depression.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has anti depressant like effect that will overall improve quality of life. More importantly hyperbaric oxygen can improve aerobic metabolism in nerve tissues, inhibit nerve tissue inflammatory edema, alleviate pain in the nerves and accelerate skin wound healing. (please see below for recent publication with large randomized trials).
The usual protocol for treatment of herpes zoster takes 3 to 6 weeks or 15 to 30 hyperbaric sessions. Depending on severity of condition we expect the resolution of persistent symptoms of pain, blisters,scarring as well as possible depression during that period.
Earlier onset of hyperbaric oxygen would result in earlier resolution of symptoms. Also in chronic cases, timely hyperbaric oxygen therapy can heal and preserve affected nerves with significant improvement of pain and prevention of further occurrences.
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