Overview
Postherpetic neuralgia is nerve pain lasting 3 months or more after shingles.
It's more common in older adults.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Pain after shingles
- Nerve pain where shingles was
Less common
- Itching
- Pain from light touch
When to get medical care
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911.
Get care todayNew rash near the eye.
See a doctor soonLasting pain.
Causes
Nerve damage.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Older age
Diagnosis
Diagnosis by history.
Treatment
Ease pain.
Self-care
- Cool compresses
- Loose clothing
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nerve pain medicines | Pain |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Prevention
- Shingles vaccine
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).
Back to school, work, or sports
- You can work or go to school if the rash is covered.
- Until blisters crust, stay away from pregnant people, newborns, and people with weak immune systems who haven't had chickenpox.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Adults over 60: Highest risk.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Often improves.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- Would lidocaine patches help?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Nerve pain after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.