Serious complications can last for months
Shingles can cause serious complications. The most common and well-known complication is postherpetic neuralgia (also known as post-zoster neuralgia, or post-zoster pain), a nerve pain in the area of skin that was previously affected.
Postherpetic neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) affects up to almost one third of people who have had shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia is defined as severe nerve pain that lasts more than three months – sometimes even up to years – after the blisters healed. The cause of the nerve pain are nerve cells damaged by the virus. As a result, even the slightest touch to certain parts of the body can cause severe pain.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can persist for months or even years and affects up to
30%
of all shingles patients.
Elderly are at higher risk
The risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia increases significantly with age. Studies show that people in their 20s and 30s very rarely report pain that lasts longer than one month. However, one in two individuals above 70 years of age suffers from post-herpetic neuralgia.
Further complications
Further complications include post-zoster pruritus (intense persistent itching), bacterial superinfections, eye involvement or diseases of the central nervous system, such as meningitis.
If the eye is affected and the optic nerve is involved, this is known as herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). This condition affects up to 25% (one in four) of shingles patients and can - on rare occasions - lead to blindness.
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Studies have shown that in the first weeks or months after contracting shingles patients have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, data from Asia suggest a 13% higher risk of peripheral artery disease. This is more pronounced in younger patients and those with co-morbidities.
Important sources of information
For further information on possible complications please refer to