Harry: Yes, there is a new treatment for the pain caused by shingles. It's not for shingles itself. Shingles manifests itself as painful little blisters and is caused by a virus. But the big problem with shingles, which occurs mainly in elderly people, is that after the rash has gone the person continues to suffer from pain, sometimes severely. And that can go on for weeks, months and even years.

Bebe: Does it reoccur after it's gone?

Harry: No the shingles doesn't come again but the pain persists, and that's the big problem.

Bebe: It's already been 10 days - how much longer will it go on?

Harry: Oh no, you're still in the early stages and you don't have anything to worry about. In other words you had shingles just a little while ago - 10 days ago.

Bebe: Yes.

Harry: You don't have to worry at this stage. But let's assume that you're unfortunate and you develop this chronic pain. In the past there was not really very much that you could do about it and people tried all sorts of things to alleviate the pain. Now a few months ago there was a new treatment, which was described in one of our medical journals. It is quite a simple treatment in which you inject cortisone into the spine. But this is not really for you at this stage. You've just had the shingles and there is every chance that you will not have this complication.

Bebe: Can you give me the name of the cream you spoke about in your previous programme.

Harry: Look, I must emphasise that it is not for you. You've just had what we call an acute attack of shingles.

Bebe: But it is a severe attack of shingles.

Harry: You don't have to worry about it at this stage. It often takes a couple of weeks before it settles down. It is only if it persists that you need to take action. You can phone me again and I'll tell you what to do, but let's not find the trouble before it happens.

Bebe: Okay, thank you.