People with shingles should see a doctor within three days of developing the rash, since aggressive treatment of the blisters that appear with the rash can ease the severity of the infection and minimize the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia. However, it is not clear whether the treatment can prevent postherpetic neuralgia. Alternative treatment B-complex vitamins , primarily given by intramuscular injection, can be an effective treatment. A whole foods diet with adequate protein, carbohydrates, and fats that also includes yeast, liver, wheat germ, and foods that are high in B vitamins may be helpful. Acupuncture is a very effective treatment, especially for postherpetic neuralgia.
Homeopathic treatment can also be very effective when the correct remedy is used.
Some botanical medicines may also be useful. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the cause of the neuralgia, but many cases respond to pain relief. Trigeminal neuralgia tends to come and go, but successive attacks may be disabling. Although neuralgia is not fatal, the patient's fear of being in pain can seriously interfere with daily life. Some people with postherpetic neuralgia respond completely to treatment.