Serious Complications of Shingles and How to Avoid Them

Long-term nerve pain that lasts longer than three months after the onset of shingles symptoms is known as postherpetic neuralgia, and it’s the most common complication of shingles. “That can be a really deep burning, uncomfortable, crippling pain,” says Michelle Henry, MD, dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medical College.

“I have patients [who] have this pain for years and years and years, [and it] can disturb their sleep. It can disturb their daily activities.” 

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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