Final answer:
Topical medications such as creams with n-docosanol and penciclovir are good treatment options for alleviating the itching, burning, and tingling associated with post herpetic neuralgia. These creams address symptoms of PHN, a condition resulting from nerve damage by the varicella-zoster virus. For the underlying viral infection, systemic antivirals like valacyclovir may be prescribed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of topical medications containing n-docosanol or penciclovir is considered beneficial for treating symptoms of post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). These topical creams can alleviate the itching, burning, and tingling sensations associated with this condition, which arises from nerve damage caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Post herpetic neuralgia can occur after the shingles rash has healed, leaving behind chronic pain due to the damage inflicted on nerve fibers. While antiviral medications may be used to manage symptoms and reduce severity during active viral phases, these treatments can't cure the underlying latent virus which occasionally reactivates, causing shingles and potentially leading to PHN.
Treatments for PHN focus on symptom management because the nerve damage can't be reversed. In addition to topical treatments, medications like valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir may be prescribed. While these systemic antivirals are ineffective for direct treatment of PHN pain, they are crucial for controlling the underlying viral infections that can lead to shingles and subsequent PHN.