Postherpetic neuralgia is a form of chronic nerve pain that continues after a shingles rash has cleared. The rash and pain are caused by the varicella zoster virus (the same virus that causes chicken pox). Although the rash may clear the pain can be difficult to treat and become very intense in some cases. It can persist for years after herpes zoster infection and in some individuals is so severe that it interferes with day to day activities. It affects 10–15% of individuals who have had shingles.
For more information see Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN).
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