$Unique_ID{BRK01127}
$Pretitle{Resources}
$Title{You Asked For It: Shingles}
$Subject{shingles}
$Volume{R}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   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 tablespoon 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!
ÿ
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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.
