Introduction
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is nerve pain that occurs after a shingles infection. Shingles is a painful rash that appears on one area of the body, usually on the trunk or face. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. In people who have had chickenpox, the virus can resurface years later and cause shingles.
You may have PHN if you continue to have pain for 4 months after your shingles rash has gone away. PHN appears in the same area where you had the shingles rash. The pain usually goes away after the rash disappears.
Getting a vaccination for shingles can prevent PHN. This vaccine is recommended for people older than 60. It may prevent shingles and may also lower your risk
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is nerve pain that occurs after a shingles infection. Shingles is a painful rash that appears on one area of the body, usually on the trunk or face. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. In people who have had chickenpox, the virus can resurface years later and cause shingles.
You may have PHN if you continue to have pain for 4 months after your shingles rash has gone away. PHN appears in the same area where you had the shingles rash. The pain usually goes away after the rash disappears.
Getting a vaccination for shingles can prevent PHN. This vaccine is recommended for people older than 60. It may prevent shingles and may also lower your risk