What if Pain Persists Even After a Shingles Rash Clears Up?

It's common for pain to continue for several weeks after the telltale rash and blisters of shingles have cleared. When pain is still present more than four months later, this See also:
What Is Shingles?

See all 79 questions about Shingles is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This condition causes the pain of shingles to last for weeks or months, sometimes years. At this point, there's no rash, only shooting or tingling pain in a particular area. Some people are also sensitive to touch (even the feel of a sheet on the skin) or to light.

PHN is a common complication of shingles -- about 5 to 7 percent of adults under age 60 develop it, and the risk rises with age to about 15 to 20 percent of those over age 80.

To reduce the odds of developing PHN after shingles:

• Get vaccinated for shingles (before it happens). Not only does vaccination make you less likely to get shingles in the first place, but if you do get shingles, you're much less likely to get PHN afterward.
• Get treated with antivirals within three days of developing the shingles rash.

The nerve pain from shingles and PHN can be severe, and often the doctor will need to prescribe strong pain medications. These may include capsaicin cream, a patch that delivers lidocaine, or strong oral pain medicines such as opiates. Some drugs used for depression or seizures are also good at treating PHN, but these can be tricky for older adults -- some of these medicines can cause falls or confusion in a vulnerable elder.

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I have had the red burning and bumps with tiny white at top. If opened clear fluid, when I pull the white center out. They are from my neck down both arms and hands to fingertips. It hurts all the way to the bone and clothes or light make it worse. I have been given all sorts of steroids to try. I have nerve damage in my neck plus surgery and they say I need another surgery because my hold nerve cord is being pinched by the level above where the floating plate is. Could this horrible rash be shingles?

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IF YOU DEVELOP PHN AFTER A SHINGLES ATTACK, YOU ARE SCREWED !! I'VE BEEN IN AGONIZING PAIN SINCE 1997 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING A SHINGLES ATTACK.

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I am 75 and have had pain of shingles for two years. I had breast cancer and had chemo. I got shingles two years later. The only thing that has given me relief has been Lyrica. I used to take 50mg three times a day,now I sometimes only need it one time a day. Sometimes the rub of my blouse or sweater on my skin starts it to itch. Lyrica has been a big help. I am sorry for anyone who has this itch or pain for a long time.I know just how you feel. Dove

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I had a server case of shinglers I tryed every thing the Doctors could think of I was in bed for 6 months in pain. this is 2 & 1/2 years later I tryed every type of pain pill now I'm on MORPHINE 240 mg A DAY they help but not much This is some BAD stuff! I had the rash on my rib cage going to my spin on one side now it's in my spin it has ruined my back. As of 8 weeks ago I tryed acupuncture give it a try it has helped me alot I know I will never be able to work again or do any thing I loved to do in the passed and I'm still on the meds(not so much) but I can stand the pain and have a better out look on life. Give it a try it helped me alot I won't give up! T/Y And by all means get the shot mine was to late.

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I had a shingles attack on the right side of my face and head in December of 1997. I still have the excrutiating pain of PHN now, 13 years later. I expect it is a life sentence. If a patient who has what I have is unfortunate enough to have a doctor who is afraid to give serious pain meds, such as opiates, then severe pain is a life sentence. I've had the seizure meds and the needles in an attempt at nerve block and the topical creams, "they"(who know nothing) recommend. Nothing helps but some degree of morphine which doesn't actually make one pain-free, but knocks it down to a level one can live with. But you don't get this without a doctor who understands how bad it is and is willing to give you what you need.

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Try tab.gabapentene300 mg/day along with tab.neurobion forte 1 tablet twice daily

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