Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

This condition is caused by nerve fibers being damaged during an outbreak of shingles. If pain lasts three months or more after the shingles rash has healed, you may be suffering from postherpetic neuralgia. The pain is generally described as burning, jabbing, deep, and aching. You may also experience sensitivity to touch, and even clothing may be painful. Itching and numbness may also occur.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 50 and older get a Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles, even if they’ve had shingles or the older vaccine Zostavax. Shingrix is given in two doses, two to six months apart. Research suggests this vaccine is more than 90 percent effective in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.