What is Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of shingles. The condition affects nerve fibers and skin, causing burning pain that lasts long after the rash and blisters of shingles disappear. The chickenpox (herpes zoster). For most people, shingles lasts about a month, and the symptoms fade with their rash. But some people – usually older folks – can feel pain long after their blisters heal. This will send the sensation of tingling or pain to your brain. It can cause ongoing pain, and sometimes it can be severe. If you have shingles symptoms, get treatment now and you may avoid permanent nerve pain. Shingles, a viral infection of the nerve roots, affects 1 million people in the US each year. These people have what’s called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the result of the shingles virus damaging the nerves of the skin. Consult a doctor for medical advice.