摘要
Herpes zoster(HZ)is an acute infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus.The neurological sequelae of HZ include postherpetic neuralgia(PHN)and postherpetic itch(PHI).Severe pain and recurrent itching seriously affect the quality of life of patients.The pathogenesis of PHN is related to the mediation of immune-inflammatory response,activation of neuroglial cells,structural and functional alterations of the brain,aberrant expression of ion channels,and gene mediation.Overall,the immune-inflammatory response is a key factor mediating the pathogenesis of PHN.By reviewing the literature,the authors found that there are few studies on PHN both at home and abroad,so its pathogenesis is still unclear.No new progress has been made in recent years either,resulting in the understanding of PHI remaining in a state of confusion.The pathogenesis of PHI may be related to the loss of epidermal nerves,excitation of itch-specific neurons,absence of itch-inhibitory neurons,the action of itch-causing factors,and the vicious circle of itch and mood disorders.In general,most of them are conjectures,not supported by relevant experimental data.The treatments for PHN are varied and effective,while the pathogenesis of PHI is still unclear,so the treatment is often passive.This paper reviews the pathogenesis of PHN and PHI,expecting to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.
