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Overview
More common in older adults.
Vaccine lowers risk.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonPain lasting after rash.
Causes
Caused by nerve damage from shingles.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause nerve pain where shingles was. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Nerve pain after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Burning, stabbing, or aching pain that lasts after the shingles rash has healed, in the same area.
What you can do at home
- Cool compresses.
Medicines
Nerve pain medicines, patches.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by history.
Questions you may be asked
- Shingles
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Get vaccinated.
- Shingles vaccine
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.