Pain after shingles, or postherpetic neuralgia, is a common complication of shingles. Shingles symptoms start with a blistering painful rash. This rash usually forms on the chest or back. The rash will go away in time. But once it is gone, you may still experience the burning, stabbing, shooting symptoms of nerve pain caused by shingles. Approximately 10–18% of people who get shingles will experience long-lasting pain afterwards.
What are the symptoms of pain after shingles?
Pain after shingles can vary from person to person. Some people experience mild pain with shingles. For others, the pain is intense and the gentlest touch can be excruciating.
Here are some common symptoms:
- Pain (aching, burning, sharp, shooting, shocking) that's constant or comes and goes
- Itchy skin
- Loss of feeling or numbness
- Sensitive skin (to touch, pressure or temperature changes)
What can I do to help manage my symptoms?
While there is no cure, there are ways to help manage pain after shingles. Managing pain after shingles often includes a combination of medications and lifestyle changes like gentle activity and stress reduction.
