$Unique_ID{BRK01127}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{YOU ASKED FOR IT:  Shingles}
$Subject{medication medications skin shingles post herpetic neuralgia crushed
aspirin preparation chloroform cream creams Lotion lotions}
$Volume{R-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


YOU ASKED FOR IT:  Shingles


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     Many of you have written about the "formula" for the crushed aspirin
preparation used for combatting the pain that can remain after an attack of
the shingles (post herpetic neuralgia).  Let me first state that there is no
specific formula that has been tested on enough patients to be sure that it is
the most effective combination, but merely some preliminary results reported.
One such report uses chloroform as the base, and two 325 mg aspirins.  However
another study presented recently at the eighth annual meeting of the American
Pain Society in Phoenix, Arizona, by Dr. Marilyn Kassirer, director of pain
management, Boston University School of Medicine merely used a single 325 mg
aspirin crushed and mixed with two tablespoons of Vaseline Intensive Care
Lotion and applied directly to the areas of pain three or four times a day.
In the six patients studied (ages 60-70) all suffering from this pain, 4 had
significant relief, and one had some relief.  These patients had been treated
with many other preparations without relief, further indicating a need for
more trials of this mixture.  However, until the final proportion and dosage
can be developed, there can be little danger to a trial and error approach
here by those of you who can convince your local pharmacy to help you.  I
would be more than interested to hear of your results and perhaps we can
"publish" our own findings!

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.