PHN
Medical abbreviation · Infectious Disease
| Stands for | Postherpetic neuralgia |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PHN stands for Postherpetic neuralgia, an infectious disease abbreviation.
Persistent nerve pain lasting three months or more in the area of a shingles rash after it has healed. It is the most common complication of herpes zoster, becomes more likely with age, and can cause burning, stabbing pain and severe sensitivity to light touch.
Example: PHN right V1 distribution 5 months after zoster; lidocaine 5 percent patch and gabapentin titration.
Usage notes
Treatment options include topical lidocaine, capsaicin patches, gabapentin, pregabalin and tricyclic antidepressants. Antivirals during acute shingles may reduce but do not reliably prevent PHN; vaccination is the most effective prevention. Some definitions use a 90-day cutoff from rash onset. Pronounced as letters.
Related abbreviations
More infectious disease abbreviations
- NTM – Nontuberculous mycobacteria
- OI – Opportunistic infection
- OPAT – Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
- PAPR – Powered air-purifying respirator
- PCP – Pneumocystis pneumonia
- PEP – Post-exposure prophylaxis
- PLWH – People living with HIV
- PPD – Purified protein derivative (tuberculin skin test)
- PPSV23 – 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
- PrEP – Pre-exposure prophylaxis
- RMSF – Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- RSV – Respiratory syncytial virus
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.