What Is Long-Term Nerve Pain After Shingles?
For most people the pain associated with the shingles rash lessens as it heals. However, for some people, after the rash heals, shingles may lead to long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN, that can last for months or even years.
The pain can range from tenderness, burning, or throbbing to pain that is stabbing or shooting. The pain can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can be constant or intermittent.
Among people with shingles, approximately 22% experience pain for more than 3 months after the appearance of the rash. Between 5% and 10% still have pain a year after rash onset.
Long-term nerve pain hurts more and lasts longer in older adults.